MORE than £143,000 worth of drugs, £47,000 cash seized, 39 dangerous weapons, £7,000 worth of suspected counterfeit goods and 48 arrests made, so far this year in South Devon. A specialist team of police officers in South Devon have achieved significant results, as part of their efforts to disrupt organised crime in communities, including large seizures of drugs, cash and weapons.

The Proactive Unit, known as PAU, works across Teignbridge, South Hams and Torbay. It is responsible for disrupting dangerous drug networks and organised crime groups, with an additional focus on keeping vulnerable people safe.

Since the start of 2025, it has seized a total of £143,535 worth of drugs in South Devon.

Illegal substances have been located through warrants, stop searches and work with Border Force to intercept parcels containing drugs.

In addition, £47,155 of cash earned through criminal activity was seized.

Officers have located 39 dangerous weapons during their searches, including lock knifes and BB pistol guns. Approximately £7,000 worth of suspected counterfeit goods were also seized, including 90 pairs of trainers, jewellery and watches.

A total of 48 arrests were made for a number of offences, including drug supply.

A 45-year-old man was arrested on February 17 on suspicion of possession of class A drug cocaine with intent to supply. He was found guilty and received a four-year prison sentence.

Another individual was found guilty of possessing cocaine and ketamine and ordered to pay fines over £200.

A woman suspected to be involved with drone drops of drugs and SIM cards to Dartmoor Prison was searched.

She was subsequently arrested after officers located 20g of cannabis, more than £800 in cash and multiple mobile devices. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Detective Superintendent Matt Lawrence said: ‘The proactive work of PAU is an essential part of our efforts to keep our communities safe.

‘Our focus is on those individuals who are involved in organised crime and those who cause most harm.

‘Drug supply is not a victimless crime – so many people are affected by the actions of those who choose to be involved and those who are exploited in the process.

‘This is just a snapshot of some of the important work that takes place in the background, in addition to those officers who respond to 999 calls, to keep people safe.

‘We are determined to disrupt organised crime groups and remove drugs from our streets.

‘This work isn’t just about arrests and seizures, it’s about protecting communities and safeguarding vulnerable people to make our neighbourhoods safer for everyone.’

PAU officers carry out a mixture of plain clothes and high-visibility work, including surveillance, warrants, stop searches and targeted operations. Organised crime groups are a group of people working together on a continual basis to plan and co-ordinate criminal behaviour and conduct.

OCGs can also exploit vulnerable people, including children and those with mental health or addiction issues, by recruiting them to be involved with criminal activity.

To report a crime or information about a crime, use the online reporting tool on the Devon & Cornwall website, or call 101. If a crime is taking place, call 999.

Crime can also be reported completely anonymously. Visit the Crimestoppers website or call 0800 555 111.