Raids by Avon and Somerset Police have resulted in 42 arrests for drug offences as part of a crackdown on drug-related and violent offences across the county.

The Somerset force raided 31 addresses linked to drug supply, including in Taunton and Bridgwater, and carried out a further 30 searches.

As a result of the raids, over £90,000 in cash, £65,000 worth of drugs and a total of 30 weapons have been seized by officers

Police said some of the illegal activity could be connected to county lines drug gangs, which move drugs from cities into rural areas. This practice can involve gangs 'cuckooing', whereby they take over a vulnerable person's home for use as a base of activities.

Somerset police have taken weapons, cash and drugs off of the streets as part of a joint operation across the region
Somerset police have taken weapons, cash and drugs off of the streets as part of a joint operation across the region (Avon and Somerset)

As part of the operation, 98 vulnerable addresses were visited, where welfare and safeguarding checks were carried out. The force also attended a number of local schools where students and teachers were informed about the risk of drugs, exploitation and crime.

The operation was conducted jointly with other forces across the region, including Devon and Cornwall Police and Wiltshire police.

Superintendent Steve Kendall who led the force’s operation said: “These results show how seriously we take drug offences in Avon and Somerset.

"The harm they cause is significant and far reaching. We are determined to ensure that our region is a hostile environment for criminals who bring harm to our communities and prey on vulnerable people for illegal profit.

“Whilst our work tackling these types of crimes and criminals is happening all year round, these weeks of intensified activity with our colleagues across the South West are a good opportunity to send a message to criminals that we do work together to gather intelligence, and we will find you.”