A CRACKDOWN on drugs, gangs and county lines has been ramping up in Dorset as part of targeted operations.

Over the summer months, Dorset Police has continued its assault on illegal drugs and those who profit as part of Operation Viper.

During the month of August, Dorset officers have:

  • Carried out 46 disruptions – active county lines have been disrupted and police continue to investigate information passed on by the public.
  • Carried out 33 safe and well checks – ensuring vulnerable people, especially children and young people, are kept safe within their own homes.
  • Safeguarded 19 people – providing longer term protection to vulnerable people (including children) who have been impacted by county lines activity.
  • Made 12 arrests – a number of people were arrested in relation the supply of Class A and Class B drugs, including one which related to coercing children into committing drug-related assaults.

In addition, following an investigation and successful prosecution, two men have been convicted of supplying Class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin) and are currently awaiting sentence.

Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Farrell said: “We continue to disrupt county lines to protect young people and safeguard those at risk.

“We work in collaboration with other forces and our partner agencies to disrupt the efforts of those suspected of being involved in county lines drugs operations and will relentlessly pursue all reports of criminality.

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

Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, added: “One of the key priorities of my Police and Crime Plan is to deal with fighting violent crime and high harm – and that, of course, includes drugs, particularly the county lines gangs who bring heroin, crack cocaine and other substances from the big cities into our small towns and villages.

Bournemouth Echo: Dorset PCC David Sidwick at a July drugs raid in BournemouthDorset PCC David Sidwick at a July drugs raid in Bournemouth

“I am delighted to witness county lines being tackled so robustly by our police force in Dorset – criminals should have no doubt that law enforcement agencies across the country are working together to drive them out of our community.”

Operation Viper sees a dedicated team of police officers work alongside local neighbourhood policing teams to use intelligence and enforcement to tackle suspected county lines and drugs gangs.

To report suspected drug dealing in your community, contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk/contact, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101.

If a crime is in progress, dial 999.