In a week-long series of coordinated raids, Wiltshire Police have seized more than £100,000 worth of drugs and close to £80,000 in cash across the county.
This operation, known as Operation Scorpion, involved intensive efforts by police teams from across the South West region to target gangs and suspected drug dealers.
The seizures included significant quantities of crack cocaine, cocaine, heroin, and cannabis. Additionally, authorities recovered weapons such as firearms, a Samurai sword, a machete, and a knuckleduster. Alongside these items, an e-bike and luxury items worth £230,000, including clothes and watches, were also confiscated.
During the operation, which ran from June 10th to June 16th, Wiltshire Police made a total of 10 arrests and visited 18 addresses suspected of being cuckooed by drug gangs. Enhanced patrols were conducted in known hotspots, and technology was utilised to disrupt county lines operations, which involve the trafficking of drugs from urban to rural areas.
Detective Chief Inspector Megan Elkins of Wiltshire Police underscored the significance of Operation Scorpion in combating drug-related crime, stating, “Through proactive collaboration and specialist team efforts, we have removed substantial quantities of drugs and disrupted organised networks that inflict harm on our communities.”
Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson, commended the collaborative efforts under Operation Scorpion, emphasising its regional approach to tackling drug-related violence and crime. He urged residents to continue reporting suspicious activities to help law enforcement address the root causes of drug-related issues effectively.
To report illegal drug activities, members of the public are encouraged to contact the police via the non-emergency 101 telephone line or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their online reporting form, ensuring confidentiality and contributing to community safety efforts.
