Colourful pouches containing cannabis but designed to look like sweet packets have been seized from several addresses in Swanage in Dorset.
Purbeck neighbourhood police team carried out the raids on Tuesday 11th June 2024 and are warning parents to keep an eye out for the packets that could be mistaken for sweets.
These drugs were found in Day’s Park in Swanage near where children play
“Parents, please be aware”
Following the raids, Purbeck Police reported:
“These colourful pouches are used to store cannabis and other drugs.
“Parents, please be aware if you should find these in your children’s possession. We found quite a collection this morning!”
Following the news that was circulated on social media, further information about illegal drugs was passed to the police.
Later, Purbeck Police posted:
“Today is the day that just keeps giving! After our proactive address checks for drugs this morning in Swanage, someone appears to have dropped some wraps in Days Park.
“Not ideal, given how many children use this space on a regular basis. They’ll be sent for destruction shortly. In the meantime, please keep the drugs intel coming in – we’ve had a good day of it.”
Like many small towns, Swanage has a well known small group of drug users and dealers. Illegal drugs in circulation include cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy tablets and more recently ketamine.
Drug pouches seized in Swanage police raids
“We will get you”
This local drugs seizure takes place against the wider backdrop of drugs raids across Dorset as part of Operation Scorpion, a well established operation across South West England targeting criminal gangs and individuals who deal drugs.
It also focuses on those who engage in anti-social activity associated with drugs such as antisocial behaviour, violence and theft.
Dorset Police assistant chief constable Mark Callaghan said:
“I can’t overemphasise how important a part the public play in helping Dorset Police to build an intelligence picture of drugs activity.
“Any piece of information linked to drugs activity, no matter how big or small, can help police disrupt those who are profiting from the damage and harm that drugs bring to local communities.
“In turn, disrupting the activity of these gangs and individuals reduces the associated blight of antisocial behaviour, violence and theft that accompanies it.
“I want to be absolutely clear – drugs and the crime and criminals associated with them have no place in Dorset, and through the enormous amounts of intelligence we receive from the public, and which our teams examine and collate and turn into actions, we know who you are and where you are. We will get you.”
Dorset Police: “We know who you are and where you are. We will get you.”
Report drug dealing intelligence
Dorset Police say that if anyone has information about drug dealing or other criminal activity, it can be reported to Dorset Police online or by calling 101.
The information and identity of anyone reporting intelligence to Dorset Police is protected, but if anyone isn’t comfortable talking directly to police, they can report anything anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
Information can also be reported through the StreetSafe app for iPhone or Android
