DORSET Police has launched the latest phase of its operation to tackle drugs alongside neighbouring forces.

The seventh phase of Operation Scorpion has begun across Dorset, Avon and Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.

The joint operation aims to tackle drug dealing and associated crime and is a collaboration with each force’s Office of Police and Crime Commissioner.

This latest phase focuses on three key aims.

The first aims to demonstrate a ‘ring of steel’ around the south west, showing drug gangs will be targeted and removed from the region.

The second will focus on visible street dealing, disrupting those who drug deal and commit associated crimes in communities.

The final aim will be for the forces to work with the public to ask them to submit intelligence to tackle those responsible for causing drug related harm to communities.

Assistant chief constable Neil Corrigan said: “Operation Scorpion is about all the five forces and the region working together.

“It is about tackling the harm that is brought to Dorset primarily, but the harm that's brought to the region from drugs, drug related crime and the exploitation that we see arising from drug trafficking.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, said: “Let's be very, very clear, when we're talking about county lines, the drug dealers, those who exploit these young people, they don't care about anything apart from money and how they get it.

“And they will use knives, they will use guns, they will use corrosive materials, they will use dogs, they will use coercion and control to keep those young people enthralled to them. And county lines has to be one of the wickedest inventions ever on mankind.

“I'm very clear. We've got to do everything we can to address them.”

PCC Sidwick added: “I want every drug dealer to know that Dorset police will be looking out for them if they wage their war in Dorset and they'll take away their drugs, their cash and their liberty.”

To report intelligence to Dorset Police, visit its website. Or, call charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit its website, to make reports anonymously.