Twenty one people were arrested in Dorset in a regional police operation targeting drug-related crime.
Four vehicles were seized together with a number of weapons including a hunting knife and a knuckle duster.
Fifteen safeguarding visits to vulnerable people were also carried out.
Dorset Police joined four other forces as well as the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) for Operation Scorpion from Monday September 30th to Sunday October 6th.
It focused on disrupting drug markets, dismantling organised crime groups and safeguarding communities from the harm associated with drug crime, including serious violence and anti-social behaviour.
Across the week, regional results included:
- 117 arrests for drugs-related offences including possession, supply, trafficking, drug importation and drug driving
- 19 people charged with offences to date
- The seizure of nearly 400kg of suspected Class A drugs and cannabis, along with a large number of ecstasy pills
- Over £55,000 in cash seized suspected to be linked to drug crime
- 109 education and engagement events with local communities and schools
- At least 23 adults and children safeguarded after vulnerability checks
- 6 weapons seized
In Poole an intelligence-led operation resulted in a vehicle being stopped and searches uncovered a number of wraps of suspected class A drugs.
A man was subsequently charged with possessing class A drugs with intent to supply and has appeared in court.
In Christchurch a man and woman were stopped in a vehicle near to the Blackwater Junction on the A338 near Christchurch.
Following a search, the man was found to be concealing drugs. He was charged with possessing class A drugs with intent to supply and has appeared in court.
The woman was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and has been released under investigation as further enquiries are carried out.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan, of Dorset Police, said: “We fully recognise the impact that the supply of illegal drugs and drug related activity has on our communities.
“By working with regional colleagues and developing vital intelligence provided by our communities, we are able to make Dorset a hostile environment for those involved in suspected supply of illegal drugs to operate in.
“Through working together and focusing on the road networks in the region, we have continued to further disrupt the activities of those involved in the suspected supply of illegal drugs.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said: “Once again, the power of close collaboration with our regional colleagues as part of Operation Scorpion 9 has yielded another set of great results for Dorset and beyond.
“I know the impact illegal drugs have, and I am absolutely determined to ensure work pursuing the drugs gangs and those intent on bringing harmful substances to Dorset will continue to be relentless.”