Police chiefs have reiterated their commitment to ridding Dorset of drug crime as the next phase of Operation Scorpion gets underway.

The multi-force operation got underway yesterday, with police bosses stating there is 'no place in Dorset' for drug crimes.

Operation Scorpion is aimed at making Dorset and the rest of the south west a hostile environment for criminal gangs and individuals who deal drugs and those who engage in anti-social activity associated with drugs such as anti-social behaviour, violence and theft.

READ: Man charged with possession of class B drugs in Weymouth

The focus is now on targeting drug dealing where it is linked to weapons and violence, and ridding high harm areas of drug-related anti-social behaviour.

Police chiefs have also thanked the role members of the public play in providing intelligence. 

Assistant chief constable Mark Callaghan said: “I can’t over-emphasise how important a part the public play in helping Dorset Police to build an intelligence picture of drugs activity.

“Any piece of information linked to drugs activity, no matter how big or small, can help police disrupt those who are profiting from the damage and harm that drugs bring to local communities.

READ: Drugs and weapons seized in police raid at Bridport property

"In turn, disrupting the activity of these gangs and individuals reduces the associated blight of anti-social behaviour, violence and theft that accompanies it.

“I want to be absolutely clear – drugs and the crime and criminals associated with them have no place in Dorset, and through the enormous amounts of intelligence we receive from the public, and which our teams examine and collate and turn into actions, we know who you are and where you are. We will get you.”

Every piece of intelligence that is received by Dorset Police helps to build a picture.

Specialist officers look at all the information received and assess the risk to a person and decide on the appropriate course of action.

READ: Chapelhay: Arrests following 'supply of class A drugs'

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick says that the force is working 'relentlessly' to 'robustly tackle gangs' and protect people from 'vile gangs'.

He added: “The public’s help in tackling these vile offences which blight our communities is vital, as was demonstrated during an earlier phase of Operation Scorpion this year when £77,000 worth of drugs were seized, and 37 arrests made in Dorset.

"By telling Dorset Police or Crimestoppers what you’ve seen where you live or work, you play a crucial part in making Dorset #NoPlaceForDrugs.”

READ: Police seize 'drugs' after stopping vehicle in Weymouth

Information about drug dealing or other activity can be reported to Dorset Police online at dorset.police.uk/intelligence or by calling 101.

The information and identity of anyone reporting intelligence to Dorset Police is protected, alternatively, report anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org.

Reporting can also be done through the StreetSafe app for iPhone or Android https://www.police.uk/streetsafe