Public help police in drugs clampdown in Devon and Cornwall

Operation Scorpion led to 36 arrests in Devon and Cornwall

Police have thanked the public for their help tackling the supply of illegal drugs in a week long operation.

Devon and Cornwall Police took part in Operation Scorpion from 9 to 15 October, leading to 36 arrests and £90,000 of drugs being seized.

During the operation, the police asked the public to assist them by reporting intelligence linked to drugs activity.

Officers said help from communities allowed them to disrupt county lines and safeguard vulnerable people.

County lines is the name given to drug-dealing networks connecting urban and rural areas, using phone lines, across the UK.

The latest action is the sixth running of Operation Scorpion involving the wider south west's five police forces; Devon & Cornwall, Dorset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Avon & Somerset.

Police said the aim is to combat drug supply in the region and make the South West a "hostile environment" for drugs.

Officers said the latest action led to:

• 36 drugs supply disruptions

• 36 Arrests (in Devon and Cornwall)

• nine charges

• more than £90,000 worth of drugs seized

• £54,800 cash seized

• 14 Weapons seized

• two Vehicles seized

• six Adults safeguarded

• 10 Children safeguarded

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Steve Parker said the force needs the public to report drug activity

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, Steve Parker described the operation as "a brilliant week".

He said: "We asked the public to play their part in looking for and reporting signs of drug activity in our neighbourhoods.

"The public is familiar with their surroundings and can detect unusual or suspicious activity.

"Sharing this information with police is extremely beneficial to us in developing an intelligence picture."

Devon and Cornwall's Police and Crime Commissioner, Alison Hernandez said communities are "sick of those using and dealing drugs".

"This latest week of action yet again proves how effective partnership working can be in tackling these issues", she said.

"I welcome the hard work of everyone who has helped us send the message to those involved in criminal activity that the South West is no place for drugs."