Devon and Cornwall police officers raided a property in Launceston in the early hours of Thursday, November 7.

A police spokesperson said: “We are determined to disrupt any activity that preys on young people who may be influenced into bad choices. This work is supported by education in schools and through other campaigns in our communities. Officers from Launceston Sector Neighbourhood Team executed a warrant under The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 at a residential address in Launceston.

“This was in reaction to intelligence received identifying a network of young people concerned in illicit drug use, underage drinking and sexual exploitation.”

Sector Inspector Julian Morris explained that this has been part of an ongoing investigation working in various Post area towns: “In conjunction with partner agencies we have been developing an intelligence picture in relation to the supply and use of controlled drugs in the Bude, Launceston and Holsworthy areas. Identifying this as a link to child exploitation we have developed Operation Minivan in order to, one, target those supplying controlled drugs and two, identify and safeguard those we believe to be at risk from these dealers.

“As part of this we executed a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act in the Launceston area on Thursday morning. No-one has been charged in relation to this matter at this time and investigations are ongoing.

“As a local policing team we are committed to targeting those who supply drugs to the most vulnerable in our society and would like to ask the community to provide us with any information they have through the following methods — by calling 101, by email [email protected] or by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. All calls will be treated with utmost confidence and can be made anonymously.”