As the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly, I have the privilege of witnessing the incredible work our policing teams do to keep our communities safe. Recently, I was particularly impressed by the results of Operation Scorpion, a regional crackdown on illegal drug activity. This operation highlighted not only the great work of our police forces but also the crucial role we all play in safeguarding vulnerable individuals, especially children, from exploitation.
Operation Scorpion, now in its tenth iteration, is a collaboration between the five South West police forces and their partners. This year, the operation focused heavily on child criminal exploitation (CCE) — a devastating practice where children are groomed and coerced into carrying out crimes, often related to drug trafficking through county lines. The results speak volumes about the effectiveness of our united approach. Across Devon and Cornwall, 26 arrests were made, and 48 people, including 19 children, were safeguarded. Regionally, the operation resulted in 95 arrests, more than £47,000 in cash seized, and significant quantities of drugs, including 37kg of cannabis and 3.7kg of cocaine, taken off our streets.
These statistics are impressive, but the real impact lies in the lives changed. Each child safeguarded represents a young person pulled back from the brink of a dangerous path. Behind every arrest is a community made safer and a message sent loud and clear: the South West is no place for drugs.
Child criminal exploitation is an insidious crime that thrives in secrecy and manipulation. Gangs target vulnerable young people, enticing them with gifts, money, or a sense of belonging, only to trap them in a cycle of fear and control. Once recruited, these children are often subjected to threats and violence, making it nearly impossible for them to break free on their own.
This is why the safeguarding element of Operation Scorpion is so critical. Alongside enforcement actions, officers conducted educational activities in schools, held awareness stalls in busy community spaces, and carried out welfare checks for vulnerable adults and children. These efforts are essential in not only identifying those at risk but also in educating the wider community about the warning signs of exploitation.
As a parent or guardian, you might wonder what you can do to protect the young people in your life. My message is simple: don’t shy away from the difficult conversations. Talk to your children about the dangers of criminal exploitation, county lines, and the tactics used by gangs to lure in recruits. Familiarise yourself with the warning signs, such as unexplained gifts, increased secrecy, changes in behaviour, or frequent absences from home or school. If something feels off, trust your instincts and seek help.
The Children’s Society provides invaluable resources on recognizing the signs of exploitation in young people. You can find more information at https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/what-we-do/our-work/lookcloser.
Operation Scorpion’s success is only achievable thanks to the power of partnership. Working together, the five South West police forces, the British Transport Police, the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, and our respective offices of Police and Crime Commissioners have shown what’s possible when we pool our resources and expertise. By creating a hostile environment for drug dealers and organised crime groups, we’re making it clear that exploitation and illegal drug activity have no place in our region.
But our work doesn’t end with this operation. County lines and the exploitation of children are ongoing challenges that require sustained effort. We must continue to dismantle criminal networks, support those who have been exploited, and prevent others from falling victim.
As your Police and Crime Commissioner, I am committed to ensuring that our communities are safe and that we continue to prioritise the protection of our most vulnerable members. I encourage everyone to play a part in this mission. Whether it’s by staying informed, speaking up, or supporting community initiatives, we all have a role to play in building a safer, stronger South West.
The results of Operation Scorpion are a reminder of what we can achieve together. Let’s keep this momentum going and ensure that every child in our region has the opportunity to grow up free from fear and exploitation. Together, we can make a difference.