SUSPECTED drug dealers in Bridgwater and Weston-super-Mare were among more than 100 arrests made during a police crackdown on drug crimes and child exploitation.

Police forces across the south west joined forces for the week-long Operation Scorpion between November 24 and 30.

In total, across the region, 112 people were arrested, more than £67,000 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.

During the operation, search warrants and vehicle stops were carried out alongside using tactics such as drones to track suspected dealers.

Meanwhile, vulnerable people were safeguarded, with several people identified from the phones seized from suspected dealers.

Among those arrested were two men in Bridgwater, taken in on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.

Suspected heroin, crack cocaine and cannabis were seized and a county line was disrupted, Avon & Somerset Police said, with the suspects released on conditional bail pending an investigation.

Elsewhere, three people were arrested in Weston on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a class A drug (crack cocaine) and later released on conditional bail pending an investigation.

And a taxi driver was arrested in Locking, North Somerset, on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a class A drug, as well as for other drug-related and motoring offences.

A large quantity of cocaine and nitrous oxide cannisters were seized, with the suspect bailed pending a forensics report.

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In Speedwell, Bristol, a search warrant ended with a large quantity of suspected class A and B drugs and a large quantity of cash being seized.

Three people were charged with more than 20 offences related to drug supply and the possession of criminal property.

Leon Sampson, aged 18, of no fixed address, and Brooklyn Sampson, aged 22, of Speedwell, were remanded in custody after appearing at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on November 28.

A 17-year-old girl was released on conditional bail. They will next appear at Bristol Crown Court on January 2.

Detective Chief Inspector Ben Lavender, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: “This regional operation reflects our ongoing commitment to tackling the exploitation caused by drugs networks.

“While seizing significant quantities of drugs and making arrests are crucial to reducing drug-related crime, we remain deeply concerned about the vulnerable people exploited by organised crime groups.

“This is why our approach goes beyond enforcement: we carry out safeguarding visits, deliver educational inputs on drugs and knife crime in schools, and gather community intelligence to identify high-harm offenders. Protecting those at risk and working closely with partners to support vulnerable individuals, including victims of cuckooing and children, will always be central to our policing efforts.”

Clare Moody, Police and Crime Commissioner of Avon and Somerset, added: “This week of action shows what can be achieved when we work together to make our region hostile to organised crime groups who exploit vulnerable people, including children.

“Alongside enforcement, I’ve been out in communities to see the impact of early intervention work, because keeping young people safe starts with education and support.

“Preventing crime and serious youth violence is a key priority for me, and disruption plays a vital part in that.”