Dorset Police has held an operation to tackle county lines drug couriers coming into Weymouth train station and using the wider road network.
The proactive operation took place on Friday 22 July 2022, targeting those who try to use railways and roads to courier drugs from major cities to the seaside town.
Officers from Dorset Police’s Force Support Group, Neighbourhood Enforcement Team, Rural Crime Team and No Excuse Team were joined by a passive drugs detection dog for high visibility patrols and proactive stop and search activity on individuals of interest.
Inspector Lee Turner, of the Neighbourhood Enforcement Team, said: “Operation Viper is our proactive approach to targeting drugs and county lines, which have no place in Dorset.
“We want to make Dorset a safe county for everyone through being tough on crime.
“During this operation a number of stop and searches took place but no one was arrested and no items were seized – No Excuse officers did issue a small number of traffic related tickets during the patrols.
“Our presence sends a strong message to county lines dealers both locally in the Park District and more widely that it won’t be tolerated and they never know when or where we may intercept them carrying out illicit activities.”
Officers from Dorset Police were also supported in planning the operation by British Transport Police.
Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “I am delighted to see Op Viper continuing to sting those involved with illegal drugs in Dorset. By working in partnership with British Transport Police, the Op Viper Team have been able to target county lines using trains to enter Dorset.
“This type of action disrupts county lines gangs before they make it into Dorset, and I am grateful to all those involved in this partnership working as it ensures our county is a hostile place for drugs.”
