POLICE have arrested six people and seized more than £52k worth of drugs, two knives and £72.5k in cash during a planned operation.
Police across the South West carried out a coordinated drugs crackdown last week across the region.
Operation Scorpion ran between June 22 and June 28 and focused on tackling drug-related harm in pubs and clubs.
It involved officers from Avon and Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, Dorset, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire, with support from the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit and British Transport Police.
In Avon and Somerset alone, six arrests were made, and five people were safeguarded.
Officers also seized an estimated £72,500 in cash and drugs with a street value of more than £52,000.
The drugs recovered included cocaine, cannabis (both resin and plants), heroin and spice.
Two knives were also taken off the streets.
Across the wider South West, police safeguarded at least 16 adults and children and seized over 5kg of Class A drugs and 24kg of cannabis.
A total of £81,747 in cash was recovered, along with eight weapons and four firearms.
Other drugs seized included spice, ketamine, MDMA and amphetamines.
Superintendent Stephanie McKenna of Avon and Somerset Police said:
"Once again, we have worked with our policing colleagues to help disrupt drugs supply across South West.
"Our results highlight the strength of our joint approach, combining intelligence, visible patrols and community engagement to tackle drug-related harm and keep people safe, not only in our big cities, but in all locations across Avon and Somerset."
She said officers targeted venues during a particularly busy period.
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Supt McKenna said: "During a week marked by record temperatures and venues busy showing World Cup fixtures, we have carried out drug awareness and licensing activities at bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants, increased patrols to spot and tackle predatory behaviour outside licensed premises, and stepped up enforcement tackling drink and drug driving.
"Alongside this, we have removed drugs, weapons and offenders from our streets, while also safeguarding vulnerable people and providing support where it’s needed most."
Neighbourhood policing teams conducted licensing and drug itemiser checks at venues and engaged with businesses to provide advice on preventing drug use and anti-social behaviour. Anti-spiking education and awareness messaging was also delivered at several community events.
Anyone with concerns about drug activity in their area is encouraged to contact police by calling 101 or reporting online at the Avon and Somerset Police website.
In an emergency, always dial 999.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers.
