Cocaine and Crack Cocaine seized and arrests made in Weston during South West Police Operation

More than 100 people have been arrested across the South West after police forces came together to target illegal drugs and child criminal exploitation. 

In total, across the South West:  

• 112 people were arrested 

• More than £67,000 cash was seized 

• 52kg of cannabis was confiscated, including 868 cannabis plants 

• Three guns were recovered, plus five imitation firearms 

• 48 people were safeguarded, including five children

In Weston-super-Mare, three people were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a class A drug (crack cocaine). They were released on conditional bail pending an investigation. A taxi

In nearby Locking, a taxi driver was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a class A drug, as well as for other drug-related and motoring offences. A large quantity of cocaine and nitrous oxide cannisters were seized. The suspect was bailed pending a forensics report. 

Detective Chief Inspector Ben Lavender, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: “This regional operation reflects our ongoing commitment to tackling the exploitation caused by drugs networks. 

“While seizing significant quantities of drugs and making arrests are crucial to reducing drug-related crime, we remain deeply concerned about the vulnerable people exploited by organised crime groups. 

“This is why our approach goes beyond enforcement: we carry out safeguarding visits, deliver educational inputs on drugs and knife crime in schools, and gather community intelligence to identify high-harm offenders. Protecting those at risk and working closely with partners to support vulnerable individuals, including victims of cuckooing and children, will always be central to our policing efforts.” 

Clare Moody, Police and Crime Commissioner of Avon and Somerset, said: “This week of action shows what can be achieved when we work together to make our region hostile to organised crime groups who exploit vulnerable people, including children. 

“Alongside enforcement, I’ve been out in communities to see the impact of early intervention work, because keeping young people safe starts with education and support.   

“Preventing crime and serious youth violence is a key priority for me, and disruption plays a vital part in that.”