TWO people have been arrested as police continued its operation cracking down on county lines drug gangs in the county.

Dorset Police’s neighbourhood enforcement team stopped a car in Alumhurst Road in Bournemouth on Sunday that was suspected of being involved in the supply of drugs.

Following searches at an address in Burnaby Road, cash and expensive designer clothing was found.

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A second search was carried out in Merseyside which reportedly found cash and class A and B drugs, which were all 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 of 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.

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Inspector Nick Lee, of the neighbourhood enforcement team, 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 tackle suspected county lines gangs.

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.