Operation Scorpion 15 delivers results across Dorset

Illegal drugs and the criminality they fuel have no place in Dorset, which is why I welcome the positive results achieved through the latest phase of Operation Scorpion.

Operation Scorpion is a coordinated initiative involving police forces and partner agencies from across the south west. Through dedicated weeks of enforcement activity, Dorset Police work alongside regional partners to disrupt the supply of illegal drugs, target those who exploit vulnerable people, and protect our communities from the harm caused by organised criminality.

This strong partnership work harnesses the collective power of five police forces, the respective PCCs, British Transport Police, SWROCU and Crimestoppers to send a very clear message to criminals that there is no place for them in our region, and we are intent on disrupting and dismantling organised crime groups and county lines.

This is ably demonstrated by the following results from the latest round of Scorpion:

Across the region, results included:

• 103 arrests
• 16 adults and children safeguarded
• Over 5kg of Class A drugs seized
• 24kg of cannabis seized
• £81,747 cash seized
• 8 weapons and 4 firearms seized
• Along with 5kg of Class A drugs, spice, ketamine, MDMA and amphetamine were also seized

In Dorset, there were:

• Nine warrants executed
• 34 arrests made
• Approx £6,200 in cash seized
• Approx 399g of Cocaine seized
• Approx 31g of Cannabis sezied
• Approx 24g of Heroin seized
• Multiple weapons seized, including knives, a crossbow, baseball bats and an imitation firearm
• Five adults and six children safeguarded

I know residents rightly expect robust action against those who seek to profit from drugs and exploitation, and I hope that these results demonstrate the commitment of Dorset Police and its partners to making our communities safer. You may not always see this work, but it is happening, day in, day out to keep Dorset safe. Whether through warrants and arrests, or the sterling work of police licensing teams or close work with street pastors, taxi marshals and drivers through Taxi Watch, venue security and safeguarding services to support vulnerable individuals, the commitment to prevention, enforcement and safeguarding is clear.

During the operation, I saw first-hand the dedication to this work during a warrant in the Bournemouth area. From gathering intelligence and executing warrants to safeguarding vulnerable people and building evidence against offenders, there is an enormous amount of painstaking work that takes place behind the scenes to keep Dorset safe.

I would like to thank all the officers, police staff, volunteers and partner agencies who contributed to the success of this operation. Their commitment, often in challenging circumstances, plays a vital role in disrupting criminal activity and protecting our communities.

While enforcement remains crucial, information from the public continues to be one of the most valuable tools in identifying offenders and tackling drug-related crime. Every piece of intelligence you can provide to Dorset Police or through Crimestoppers helps build a clearer picture and supports efforts to protect those most at risk of harm.

I want to be clear; our commitment is unwavering and we will continue to target those who seek to profit from drugs and exploitation, protect vulnerable people from harm, and work tirelessly with our partners to ensure Dorset remains a hostile environment for criminals and a safe place for everyone else.

David Sidwick
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner