Dorset Police has continued its crackdown on drugs, drug gangs, and county lines. Over the summer months the Force has been ramping up its assault on illegal drugs and those who profit from them.
Drug crime brings misery to our communities and our officers have been relentless in dealing with drug-related crime across the county, protecting our communities and safeguarding vulnerable people.
During August Dorset Police 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 extensive investigation work and a 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 of Dorset Police, 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 said, “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.
“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 working alongside local neighbourhood policing teams to use intelligence and enforcement to tackle suspected county lines and dangerous drugs gangs and make the region a hostile place for those intent on dealing drugs and bringing misery to Dorset communities.
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 also feeds into the regional intelligence picture to prevent harm and drugs coming into the county from around the country.
To report suspected drug dealing in your community, please contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101.
If a crime is in progress, please dial 999.
Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.