A police operation in Royal Wootton Bassett today led to the seizure of a large serrated hunting knife and drugs, along with at least one arrest. The raid targeted a suspected drug den as part of a broader crackdown on organised crime across the South West.
Wiltshire Police executed a warrant at a property on Station Road this morning, believed to be a centre for drug dealing. During the raid, officers seized drugs, weapons, and cash. Video footage from the scene shows police entering the property, arresting a man, and discovering a cluttered room strewn with rubbish, including the dangerous hunting knife.
This raid is part of two national campaigns, Operation Scorpion and Operation Mille, which focus on dismantling organised crime gangs involved in the illegal drug trade. Detective Sergeant Jim Issac commented, “We are acting on intelligence from the community and working to disrupt criminals involved in drug dealing and other anti-social crime.” These operations aim to shut down major cannabis farms, reduce drug-fuelled violence, and combat exploitation across England and Wales.
Operation Scorpion has already resulted in over 200 arrests and drug seizures valued at more than £45 million across the South West. The haul includes significant quantities of cannabis plants, cocaine, and weapons. Recent results in Wiltshire include eight arrests, six warrants executed, £12,000 in cash seized, one knife recovered, 246 grams of cocaine, and 101 grams of cannabis seized.
Deputy Chief Constable Mark Cooper of Wiltshire Police highlighted the importance of these joint efforts, stating, “The goal of operations like Op Scorpion and Op Mille is to sustain our momentum against organised criminal gangs and the illegal drug trade. This also helps prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, and anti-social behaviour linked to drugs.” Police and Crime Commissioner Phillip Wilkinson added, “Operation Scorpion shows a borderless approach to policing, tackling drug crime across urban and rural areas alike. The message is clear – Wiltshire and the South West is no place for drugs.”
A new phase of the Spot the Signs, Stop the Crime campaign is focusing on child criminal exploitation, raising awareness among young people and parents. This campaign uses both online and offline platforms to warn against drug-related violence and exploitation. The Check it Out youth zone on the Police and Crime Commissioner’s website provides additional guidance for vulnerable youngsters.
Wiltshire Police continue to collaborate with Dorset, Devon & Cornwall, Avon & Somerset, and Gloucestershire police forces in a coordinated effort against organised drug crime. Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as investigations proceed.
Originally published by UKNIP.
