POLICE seized several guns, tens of thousands of cash and arrested more than 100 people during a coordinated week of activity targeting drug supply across the South West.

Dubbed ‘Operation Scorpion’, the operation, which ran from November 24 to 30, saw police forces, including Devon & Cornwall Police, come together to target illegal drugs and child criminal exploitation.

Police officers and staff worked collectively to apprehend suspected dealers, seize drugs and weapons and safeguard vulnerable people.

A range of enforcement activity took place, including the execution of arrest and search warrants, vehicle stops and the use of drones to track suspected dealers.

In total, across the South West: 112 people were arrested; £67,329 cash was seized; 52kg of cannabis was confiscated, including 868 cannabis plants; three guns were recovered, plus five imitation firearms and 48 people were safeguarded, including five children.

Last week’s Operation Scorpion had a particular focus on child criminal exploitation which is when criminals groom and exploit young people into carrying out crimes on their behalf.

Officers visited schools where they gave inputs to children on county lines and criminal exploitation, highlighting what it looks like and where to get help and support.

Assistant Chief Constable Dave Thorne said the results highlight Devon & Cornwall Police’s commitment to reducing drug-related harm: ‘Operations like this send a clear message that we will continue to target those who choose to profit from causing harm in our communities.

‘The outcomes reflect the support of the public who play an important role in helping us identify and disrupt criminal activity, and the hard work and dedication of our staff.

‘I encourage anyone with information to contact Devon & Cornwall Police or do it anonymously through Crimestoppers’.

• Devon & Cornwall Police has an online reporting form as well as the non-emergency 101 number: https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us-beta/contact-us/report-crime-incident-suspicion/

• You can contact Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting the website at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/