Two people were arrested on suspicion of drug offences as part of a new crackdown aimed at targeting suspected county lines drug gangs operating in Dorset.

Officers from Dorset Police’s Neighbourhood Enforcement Teams (NET) stopped a vehicle that was suspected of being involved in drug supply in Alumhurst Road in Bournemouth on the morning of Sunday 8 May.

Further searches were carried out at an address in Burnaby Road, where a quantity of cash and expensive designer clothing was located. Following intelligence, a second search was carried out at an address in Merseyside and a large quantity of cash, and a quantity of suspected Class A and Class B drugs were seized.

A 32-year-old man from Wavertree in Merseyside was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug, possession with intent to supply a Class B drug and being concerned in the control of criminal property and remains in custody.

A 21-year-old local man was arrested for possession of a Class B drug and was issued with an adult caution. He was also arrested on suspicion of a driving offence and has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Inspector Nick Lee, of NET, said: “Our team, working closely with officers in Merseyside, have recovered a large quantity of suspected Class A and B drugs, cash and other assets believed to have been obtained from suspected criminal gain.

“We want to reassure the community we are committed to tackling drug dealing and relentlessly pursuing suspected criminality.

“I would encourage any members of the community to report their concerns to Dorset Police so we can investigate and take action.”

Last month, the force launched Operation Viper, which sees a dedicated team of police working alongside local neighbourhood policing teams to use intelligence and enforcement to tackle suspected county lines gangs and make the region a hostile place for those intent on dealing drugs and bringing misery on communities.

The initiative aims to provide visibility, proactive enforcement and community engagement, as well as a dedicated County Lines Task Force, to disrupt incoming suspected drug networks.

It will also feed into the regional intelligence picture to prevent harm and drugs coming into the county from other cities around the country.

To report suspected drug dealing in your community, please contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101. If a crime is in progress, please dial 999. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.