Police hail regional drugs crackdown a success

The operation was a regionally-coordinated crackdown on drug-related criminality, and the forces involved say it delivered significant results in tackling supply, protecting communities and strengthening public confidence.

Taking place between 22 and 28 June 2026, Operation Scorpion 15 brought together police forces and their respective Offices of the Police and Crime Commissioners from Wiltshire, Avon and Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, Dorset and Gloucestershire, supported by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit and British Transport Police. 

This united approach, the police say, demonstrates the power of cross-border collaboration in addressing the complex and evolving threat posed by illegal drugs, in this case focusing on pubs, clubs and other parts of the night time economy.

Chief Inspector Pete Foster, the operational lead for the latest Operation Scorpion in Wiltshire, said: “Now in its 15th phase, Operation Scorpion continues to demonstrate its strength as a well-established and highly effective initiative, focused on making the South West a hostile environment for drug dealers and those involved in associated criminality. 

"Each phase builds on previous successes, and OS15 has maintained that momentum through coordinated enforcement and intelligence-led activity.

“This latest phase has delivered 32 arrests and 122 disruptions to drug supply networks in Wiltshire, alongside the removal of eight weapons from the streets and the seizure of £47,000 in cash.

"A wide range of proactive activity has also supported these outcomes, including test purchase operations in licensed premises with police cadets, resulting in three failures; a closure order for a premises; targeted patrols in drug dealing hotspots and night-time economy areas; licensed premises checks; cuckooing and child safeguarding visits; and the deployment of the Nelsons Trust welfare van.

“Further work has included delivering education leaflets to schools and town councils, drug testing on arrest in custody, and collaboration with Change Grow Live and Connect services. 

 

"Activity has also extended to a coordinated media campaign covering drug awareness, drink spiking, and Pubwatch, as well as specialist drink and drug driving operations in Swindon, night-time economy deployments involving passive drugs dogs, and additional patrols supported by Special Constables in Salisbury.

“Operational support and visibility have been strengthened through deployments involving student officers in Trowbridge and Melksham, including giving advice on spotting signs of exploitation to hotels and taxis, as well as senior attendance at enforcement activity, including the Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson and Chief Superintendent Downing attending a warrant in Warminster.

"Most importantly, two vulnerable individuals have been safeguarded through this work, underlining Operation Scorpion’s vital role not only in tackling crime, but in protecting those at risk.”

Across Wiltshire, results included:
- 122 disruptions
- 10 drug warrants carried out
- 35 stop and searches conducted
- 12 licenced premises checked
- 36 arrests
- 12 people charged
- One person convicted
- Two out of court disposals
- Two adults and children safeguarded
- 26kg of cannabis seized
- £47,705 in cash seized
- Eight weapons seized including one firearm, one extendable baton and five Samurai swords
- Heroin, cocaine, ketamine, MDMA and amphetamines seized including 100 MDMA tablets, 9g MDMA crystal, 232g Ketamine, 34g Heroin, 692.37g Cocaine, 1g Amphetamine, two Magic Mushrooms

Throughout the week, officers focused on disrupting the supply and use of drugs within the night-time economy, including pubs, clubs and licensed venues. Increased patrols and targeted activity were carried out across towns and cities throughout the region, ensuring a visible and proactive policing presence during peak times.

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
- eight weapons and four firearms seized
- Spice, ketamine, MDMA and amphetamines seized

The operation is underpinned by a clear objective, not only to target those involved in drug supply, but also to reduce the harm drugs cause, including violence, exploitation and anti-social behaviour. 

By combining enforcement with safeguarding, police worked closely with partners such as street pastors, venue security staff, taxi marshals and support services to identify and assist vulnerable individuals.
As part of a balanced approach, officers also utilised diversion and support schemes for individuals found in possession of drugs for personal use, recognising that prevention and rehabilitation play an important role alongside enforcement.

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “Operation Scorpion 15 shows the real impact we can have when police forces across the South West work together to tackle the harm caused by illegal drugs.

"These results demonstrate a strong, coordinated response to those who exploit our night-time economy and put people at risk, with 34 arrests and significant seizures taking dangerous substances, cash and weapons off our streets in Wiltshire.

“Just as importantly, this operation has prioritised safeguarding and prevention. Protecting vulnerable people, supporting those at risk of exploitation, and working with partners to keep our towns and city centres safe are all key to building safer communities. 

"I encourage the public to continue sharing information with police - your intelligence is vital in helping us disrupt criminal activity and keep Wiltshire a safe place to live, work and enjoy a night out.”

Police are continuing to urge the public to play their part. Community intelligence remains vital in tackling drug-related activity, and residents are encouraged to report concerns. Information can be shared directly with police by calling 101, or 100 percent anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Operation Scorpion will continue to form a key part of the region’s strategy to combat drug-related harm, with future operations building on the success of OS15 to keep South West communities safe.

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