THOUSANDS of pounds worth of cash and drugs were seized across Wiltshire when police forces came together to target illegal drugs and child criminal exploitation (CCE).

During a week of coordinated activity, 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 addition, vulnerable people were safeguarded, with several people identified from the phones seized from suspected dealers and sent text messages with details of support services.

In Wiltshire, there were 17 warrants executed, 45 people arrested, with four since charged and one convicted, £11,930 cash seized and £60,000 worth of Class A and B drugs.

In addition, 14 people were safeguarded, 15 cuckooed addresses visited, five closure orders granted, 11 weapons seized included an imitation firearm, and numerous assets seized.

Photo: Wiltshire Police

Last week’s Operation Scorpion had a particular focus on CCE – where 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 CCE, highlighting what it looks like and where to get help and support.

A coordinated awareness campaign was also run on social media, with targeted TikTok and SnapChat adverts designed to reach young people where they spend much of their time.

T/Detective Superintendent Megan Elkins said: “We know that criminal gangs are exploiting children and young people to move drugs and money across Wiltshire. We all have a role to play in raising awareness, taking action, and preventing this harm.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “This initiative demonstrates the strength of borderless collaboration, with police forces working seamlessly across regional boundaries to share intelligence, coordinate enforcement, and dismantle criminal networks that target the most vulnerable.”

Operation Scorpion is a collaboration between five police forces (Avon and Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire), their respective offices of Police and Crime Commissioners, the British Transport Police and South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SW ROCU).

Anyone who suspects drug dealing or suspicious activity is taking place in their community can report it to either police or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.