You said, we did – Substance Misuse and Drug-Related Crime

Building confidence in policing is essential—especially in today’s world, where misinformation and inaccurate commentary can snowball. As we approach the final weeks of my annual survey, I want to continue being transparent about what my office and Dorset Police have done to address the concerns raised by Dorset residents in the 2024 survey.

One issue I am particularly passionate about is drug-related crime. I am the senior responsible officer for Dorset’s Combatting Drugs Partnership, which brings together key partners to achieve a whole-system approach. This approach ensures enforcement, treatment, and prevention are handled robustly and effectively. Most recently, the Treatment and Recovery subgroup of the partnership has worked to establish Clarity, an organisation that provides vital lived-experience insights to support individuals while also contributing to the development of prevention initiatives.

Operation Scorpion has also continued, with the latest operation in June focusing on targeting “enablers”—people whose actions—or inaction—allow drug dealers to operate in our communities, including those who turn a blind eye. The operation was highly successful in Dorset, resulting in two drug lines being permanently closed, 24 people arrested, and more than £20,000 worth of Class A and B drugs seized. Three vehicles were also confiscated, and weapons—including zombie knives, machetes, flick knives, and knuckledusters—were recovered, along with £25,000 in cash.

Alongside Operation Scorpion, Dorset’s own drug initiative, Operation Viper, has resulted in a total of 1,207 drug-related arrests over the past year (last four quarters). In addition, the force has developed refreshed intelligence collection methods to gain a better understanding of drug misuse in Dorset, with a particular focus on ketamine.

A core issue is that we as a society diminish the harm by using terms such as recreational or party. Let’s be clear young people start with a plethora of different drugs and we need to call them for what they are - illegal gateway drugs. The orphan at the feast is prevention and so I support a number of different initiatives in Dorset including Talk about Trust, Escapeline and Vita Nova. 

In terms of prevention, funding from my office has enabled the Talkabout Trust to deliver an educational programme to secondary schools across Dorset. The sessions cover alcohol, nitrous oxide, vaping, cannabis and its derivatives, MDMA, and ketamine, and have received positive feedback from participating students. These educational inputs are vital in ensuring young people have the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and stay away from illegal drugs and associated harmful behaviours.

Since taking office, I have lobbied for the reclassification of certain drugs, and this remains a key priority. Many of you already know my views on cannabis, but to be clear: I believe it should be reclassified as a Class A drug. I have always been upfront about the harmful impact cannabis can have on both physical and mental health, and I have long called for it to be reclassified due to these effects and its broader societal impact. Over the past year, I have also supported the call for ketamine to be reclassified as a Class A drug. Ketamine is highly addictive, and reports suggest its use is rising among young people. It is crucial we act now to prevent further harm—lives have already been lost.

The progress outlined above demonstrates my continued commitment to addressing the issues that matter most to Dorset’s communities. However, effective policing and meaningful change rely on ongoing dialogue with the public the force and myself serve. As I shape my priorities for the year ahead, your views remain essential. I encourage you to take a few moments to complete my annual survey. Your feedback ensures our strategies reflect your concerns and helps us remain focused on building a safer, more resilient Dorset for all.

Your voice, Your safety, Your Dorset.

Take the survey here.

David Sidwick

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner