Officers in Devon and Cornwall have made a number of arrests as part of a joint operation to tackle the supply of drugs across the country.

Eight men, aged between 19 and 53 are currently in police custody and all were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs heroin and cocaine. 

The arrests were made at a number of locations across the region including Plymouth, Exeter and Cullompton.

These arrests are part of a joint operation with colleagues from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) who executed warrants and made a number of successful arrests in Merseyside, as well as linked arrests in Greater Manchester and South Wales.

Detective Inspector Ben Davies of the Serious and Organised Crime Branch for Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “Today's operation and arrests go to show that the police are not a soft touch, and we do take the issues of county lines drug trade seriously.

“This type of crime prays on some of the most vulnerable in our society who are then coerced and exploited as part of the drug trade.

“This operation highlights how forces across the UK work together to share intelligence, and how effectively we can come together to undertake major policing operations.

“Community intelligence is a huge driver in these types of operations. If you believe drug activity is taking place, or criminality of any kind, it is vital that you report it to the police.”