MORE than 100 people were arrested – including in Bath and Taunton – as part of a police operation targeting drug-related crime.

From September 30 to October 6, Avon & Somerset Police joined colleagues from across the South West – Devon and Cornwall Police, Dorset Police, Gloucestershire Police, and Wiltshire Police, together with the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU – for a special operation.

It focused on disrupting drug markets, dismantling organised crime groups, and safeguarding communities from the harm associated with drug crime, including serious violence and anti-social behaviour.

Using shared intelligence and resources, officers conducted targeted actions such as intelligence-led vehicle stops, search warrants at properties suspected of drug activity, high-visibility patrols in areas known for drug crime, and community engagement events to educate the public about the risks of drug-related crime.

Across the week, officers secured 117 arrests for drugs-related offences including possession, supply, trafficking, drug importation and drug driving, with 19 people charged with offences to date; the seizure of nearly 400kg of suspected Class A drugs and cannabis, along with a large number of ecstasy pills; over £55,000 in cash seized suspected to be linked to drug crime; 109 education and engagement events with local communities and schools; at least 23 adults and children safeguarded after vulnerability checks; six weapons seized.

In Avon and Somerset, officers arrested 18 individuals for drug-related offences, carried out a number of intelligence-led warrants and seized more than 130kg of cannabis and 14kg of suspected high-harm Class A drugs.

In Bath, a warrant led to the arrest of a 30-year-old man on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a controlled Class B drug and possession of a prohibited weapon (zombie-style knife). He has since been released under investigation.

And in Taunton, a 24-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman were arrested after Neighbourhood Police Officers carried out a Misuse of Drugs Act warrant in the Corporation Street area.

During a search of the property, suspected cocaine, ketamine, cannabis, and drugs supply equipment were located, along with a number of weapons including knuckledusters and a Zombie-style knife. Mobile phones and cash were seized, and a dog suspected to be a banned breed (XL bully) was taken into kennels.

Both occupants were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug, possession with intent to supply a Class B drug, possession of an offensive weapon in a private place and possession/having custody of a banned breed. They are currently released under investigation.

Assistant Chief Constable Jon Cummins of Avon and Somerset Police, who led this round of the operation, said: “Criminals exploit our region’s roads to traffic drugs, cash, weapons, and vulnerable people into our communities. They profit from the misery that drug crime brings, while our communities suffer for it. We won’t accept this.

“Last week, we jointly focused on creating a difficult environment for criminals to operate in.

“Our roads policing units stopped vehicles believed to be involved in drug crime, which resulted in drugs, weapons and cash being recovered. Meanwhile our neighbourhood policing teams worked in communities, carrying out warrants where drugs activity was suspected and protecting people living in those areas from drugs-related issues.

“Information provided by the public was critical to the operation’s success and I want to thank everyone who has shared information with us. You know your community best.

“If you suspect illegal drug activity is happening, please report it directly to the police or anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers, because your vigilance helps us protect you and those around you.

“Even a small piece of information could be the missing piece we need to disrupt an organised criminal network or safeguard a vulnerable person.”

READ MORE: Weapons, drugs and suspected Bully XL dog seized in Taunton police raid

Avon & Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, Clare Moody, said: “I’m pleased to hear of the outcomes achieved in this recent operation disrupting criminals who exploit roads to transport illegal drugs and money through our region and the wider South West area.

“The success of Avon and Somerset Police in tackling drug-related crime often relies on information shared by the public. I’d like to thank everyone who came forward with vital information for this operation or has done so previously.

“While you may not always hear immediate updates on specific outcomes, please be assured that your contributions are essential in helping officers catch and charge those involved.

“Drug use leads to a range of issues, from the exploitation of people to anti-social behaviour issues, shoplifting and more. Prevention is key to creating lasting change. I’m grateful to the services I commission, which provide critical support to those struggling with addiction or at risk of engaging in drug activity, helping to prevent people from becoming involved.”

If you are concerned or suspect illegal drug activity in your community, report it online, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.