Over the past two weeks police officers have targeted the use and supply of drugs, associated crime and safeguarded vulnerable people. 

The activity happened was part of the National County Lines Intensification Week and was followed up with a proactive operation in Cornwall.

Earlier this week, Project Medusa, a dedicated county lines team from Merseyside Police carried out a joint operation with local police in Cornwall and South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) to target drug related offences in the county.

Teams focused their work on Newquay and Penzance but also carried out warrants in Truro and St Austell and stopped a vehicle with links to drugs supply on the M5 near Exeter. 

This was a dynamic operation involving many police teams including roads policing, drones, special constables, intelligence, crime and neighbourhood. The operation resulted in:

. 31 arrests for a range of drug related offences, theft of avehicle, possession of weapons

. Vehicles seized for no insurance/MOT/licence

. Seizure of drugs, cash and bladed weapons

. Over 100 officers and staff supported the operation

At the end of February, Devon & Cornwall Police took part in a national week of action which was intelligence led and involved high visibility and plain clothes patrols in areas where drug dealing is believed to be taking place. 

There were also warrants, searches and safeguarding using information reported by the public, partners, and officers. This activity was supported by partner agencies to provide suitable safeguarding where possible. The operation resulted in:

• 51 crimes

• 53 vulnerable people safeguarded

• More than £50,000 in cash, drugs and other property seized

• 74 Community Engagement visits and events

• Over 50 suspects arrested/interviewed voluntarily

Head of proactive investigation, Dt Sup Jon Bancroft said: “Over the past two weeks we have seen some fantastic results from targeted work not only in removing drugs from our streets but also disrupting their movement and protecting vulnerable people at risk from dangerous drug networks. 

“This work happens every day in policing our communities, but the results show what is possible when we work with other forces and partner agencies to have an even bigger impact. I’d urge anyone with information about drug use or supply in their communities to report it to us so that we can continue this activity and see more results like this.”

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “It is absolutely vital that we work with other forces to tackle the drug dealing which does so much damage in our communities.

“These operations will continue with my full support, which includes direct financial investment, so our communities and the dealers who seek to exploit our most vulnerable citizens understand that this evil trade will not be tolerated here.”  

Superintendent Martin Earl from Merseyside Police said: "Our Project Medusa team have had a successful week of intensification, working with local police in Cornwall and SWROCU. There is no doubt that the additional activity we have carried out will have further disrupted organised crime groups and the use and supply of drugs across the country.

As a force we are committed to working alongside partners and other forces to close County Lines and protect vulnerable people. We will relentlessly target those crime groups who cowardly exploit vulnerable people in our communities.”