In a collaborative operation aimed at curbing the transport of illegal drugs across the region, Devon & Cornwall Police teamed up with the British Transport Police (BTP) to tackle individuals using the railway network to move illicit substances. The operation, which took place in Torquay, was a clear demonstration of the ongoing commitment to combatting the movement of drugs into local communities.
The operation saw a mix of high-visibility and plainclothes officers deployed across the Torquay train station. To bolster the team’s efforts, passive drugs dog ‘Polly’ was positioned at key entrances and exits to sniff out individuals potentially carrying drugs.
“This proactive work forms part of our ongoing efforts to pursue individuals involved in the movement of drugs and to deter criminals from bringing drugs into our towns,” said Chief Inspector Miranda Pusey of Devon & Cornwall Police. “We are committed to protecting our communities and ensuring our towns remain safe and drug-free.”
Throughout the operation, officers conducted stop searches following positive indications from Polly. Their efforts led to the seizure of several illicit drugs, including six grams of MDMA (Ecstasy), five grams of cannabis, and one gram of ketamine. Drug paraphernalia was also confiscated. Investigations into the operation are still ongoing.
Ch/Insp Pusey highlighted the success of the operation: “It’s positive that the team were able to remove illegal drugs from the streets. Deployments like these are often time-limited, as word of our actions can spread quickly. However, the results we achieved on this day were certainly a success.”
The operation in Torquay was just one of many planned interventions across South Devon as part of a wider initiative. “These types of operations alongside BTP will continue throughout the year,” Ch/Insp Pusey added. “We will continue to send a strong message that our towns will be a difficult place for criminals to operate and deal drugs.”
She also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity: “If you see something that doesn’t look right, please report it to us. If we don’t know what you’re seeing, we can’t do anything about it. Together, we can make our communities safer for everyone.”
British Transport Police (BTP) Det Inspector Ian Henderson, who worked on the operation, spoke about the importance of collaboration: “Our expert taskforce works with police forces across the country to dismantle and disrupt county lines activity. By pooling our crime-fighting resources, we increase the chances of intercepting those who use the railway to transport drugs, arresting those involved, and safeguarding vulnerable individuals exploited by these criminal gangs.”
County lines refers to the criminal practice where organised crime groups (OCGs) use mobile phone lines to move and distribute drugs from urban centres to smaller towns and rural areas. The railway system is one of the primary ways criminals transport these substances.
The operation also highlights the grim reality of how criminals exploit vulnerable people, including children and those suffering from mental health or addiction issues. These individuals are often recruited to act as ‘drug runners,’ distributing drugs at the behest of gangs. Additionally, criminals may use the homes of vulnerable individuals as operational bases—a practice known as ‘cuckooing.’
For more information about county lines, cuckooing, and the signs to watch for, visit the Devon & Cornwall Police website: [County Lines | Devon & Cornwall Police](https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/drugs/county-lines/)
To report a crime or submit information, call 101 or visit: [Report a Crime | Devon & Cornwall Police](https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/report-a-crime/)
For further details on the role of British Transport Police in safeguarding the railways, visit: [About Us | British Transport Police](https://www.btp.police.uk/about-us)
This successful operation marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to disrupt drug-related crime across Devon and Cornwall, with local authorities and partners committed to safeguarding their communities from the harmful effects of illegal drugs.
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