POLICE have seized more than sixty kilograms of cocaine as Operation Scorpion saw officers target the supply of illegal drugs in the region.

The latest week of intensification as part of the initiative involved a range of enforcement action carried out across theSouth West, as well as education and prevention work taking place.

Operations conducted by Devon & Cornwall Police saw 41 people arrested; £57,466 in cash seized and 85g crack, 194.4g heroin, 64kg cocaine, 11.6kg cannabis resin and 0.5kg ketamine seized.

Police say four county lines operation were shutdown, with various weapons being seized too.

Deputy Chief Constable for Devon & Cornwall Police, Jim Colwell, said: ‘Our goals during Operation Scorpion 12 were to protect young and vulnerable people from the dual harms of illegal drugs activity.

‘Illegal drugs can do great physical and psychological harm, and the criminal gangs associated with their supply have no qualms about who they exploit, coerce, threaten and harm to enable their activities’.

Fifth-teen people were safeguarded thanks to the efforts of the police.

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly said: ‘Operation Scorpion demonstrates very clearly the unstinting enforcement work that goes on to close down county lines and to disrupt other drug related crime.

‘This helps us to protect those who are being exploited and to relieve the misery that people tell me they are suffering due to drug dealing and drug abuse.

‘I’d also like to thank the public who have come forward with information which is invaluable to helping the police focus their resources where needed.

‘We particularly urge the public to let us know if they spot the signs that a young person might be exploited, perhaps into carrying drugs.

‘Please look closer and if you have intelligence around suspected drug activity in your community, or you think someone is being exploited, please report it anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online’.