Wiltshire Police drug gangs crackdown sees dozens arrested

From Monday, March 4, until Sunday, March 10, officers across Wiltshire took part in the seventh phase of Operation Scorpion, to tackle drug gang operations across the south west.

In total, police made 176 disruptions to drug dealing activity and County Lines operations during the week.

And 31 suspected offenders were arrested while several weapons were seized across the county.

This included two real guns, an imitation gun, several knives, including 100 surrendered by the public, a samurai sword, and a set of nunchucks.

Class A drugs worth £33,600, including cocaine and heroin, and £24,000 in cash was also recovered, alongside assets such as a car, designer jewellery, and clothing. 

Three missing children from outside the county, who were being exploited to run drugs as part of County Lines gangs, were located and returned home by officers.

The operation aims to create a “Ring of Steel” across the region and saw Wiltshire Police work with four other forces in the southwest, as well as Crimestoppers and the British Transport Police.

Detective Superintendent Charlotte Tucker said: “We are pleased with the results of this iteration of Operation Scorpion as our officers and staff managed to not only seize substantial amounts of illegal drugs and proceeds of crime like cash and assets, but also safeguarded many vulnerable people.

“We will continue to take a strong and robust stance against this sort of exploitative criminality.”

DS Tucker emphasised the importance of protecting vulnerable victims, often children and young adults, who are exploited by crime networks, causing “misery and harm” to communities.

In total, 27 people were safeguarded and 79 cuckooed addresses were visited during the operation.

A gun seized in Wiltshire (Image: Wiltshire Police)

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson praised the “great outcomes” of the operation and urged those affected by drug crime to contact police.

He added: “Drug crime, and the violence that usually accompanies it, blights the lives of our residents and the communities they live in.

“By continuing to report your concerns to the police they are better placed to tackle the issues head-on and take action.

“I'm particularly concerned about the criminal exploitation of young people by drugs gangs and want to urge parents to not shy away from having difficult conversations with their child if they're concerned.

“Parents must have open conversations with their children around County Lines, knife crime and associated criminality, and know what signs to look out for.”