Police have arrested 26 people in Wiltshire during a week-long crackdown on drugs and child exploitation.
The action was part of Operation Scorpion, a South West-wide initiative targeting County Lines and the supply of Class A drugs. Wiltshire Police led this phase of the operation.
Across the county, 24 vulnerable people were safeguarded and 52 suspected cuckooed addresses were visited. Officers also seized £380,000 worth of drugs, £22,500 in cash and ten weapons, including six imitation firearms.
A warrant in Kensington Fields, Trowbridge, on 4 March was attended by Policing Minister Sarah Jones MP and Assistant Chief Constable Deb Smith.
There a man aged in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. He has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Assistant Chief Constable Liz Coles, of Wiltshire Police, said: “Our mission is clear: keeping Wiltshire safe by removing harmful drugs, targeting suppliers, and disrupting county lines networks.
“Protecting vulnerable people—especially children and young adults exploited by these gangs—remains at the heart of our work. When children go missing, their risk increases, and close partnership working is vital to keeping them safe.
“We see the harm this criminality brings to our towns and villages. This work doesn’t end with one week of action, we will continue to take a robust, proactive approach.
“Our message is simple: Wiltshire and the South West is no place for drugs. We all have a role in raising awareness, reporting concerns, and preventing harm.”
Officers delivered 22 talks in Wiltshire schools, speaking to nearly a thousand students about County Lines and child criminal exploitation.
Hotel checks were also carried out as part of Hotel Watch. Of the 26 hotels visited in Wiltshire, 11 failed the checks.
Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “This phase of Operation Scorpion shows the real impact of a coordinated South West approach, which Wiltshire has led on for this iteration.
“Our focus on Class A drug supply and vulnerable missing children has delivered some strong results and vital safeguarding.
“The ministerial visit demonstrated how a community focused force like Wiltshire can quickly build intelligence and disrupt county lines with precision. It reinforces why smaller, locally rooted forces matter as national policing reforms are discussed.
“We will continue strengthening our partnerships with schools, local services and community organisations to ensure young people are supported early, informed about the risks of exploitation, and equipped to seek help when they need it.”
Across the wider South West, 92 people were arrested and 59 safeguarded during the same week of action.
