Ten people have been arrested as part of an investigation into the suspected supply of class A and B drugs in Devon, following early morning raids in Exeter on Tuesday 10 November 2026.

The operation was led by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU), supported by Devon & Cornwall Police, as first reported by Devon Live. Officers carried out nine warrants in the city.

Who was arrested

Nine people were arrested in Exeter: eight men aged between 29 and 50, and a woman in her 40s. A tenth person, a man in his 70s, was arrested in East Sussex. None of those arrested has been named, and no one has been charged according to the information released so far.

What police said

Detective Chief Inspector Adam Smith, of SWROCU, said the arrests were part of an investigation into an organised crime group suspected of operating drug lines across Devon.

He said: "During today’s activity, which was supported by our colleagues at Devon and Cornwall Police, officers seized suspected drugs and cash."

He added that the ten people remained in police custody and would be questioned by investigators as enquiries continue. Police have not said what types or quantities of drugs were seized, or how much cash was recovered.

Background

Drug lines are networks in which orders for drugs are taken through a dedicated phone number and then supplied to customers. Cannabis is a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, while class A drugs include heroin and cocaine. The reports do not say which specific drugs the investigation concerns.

People are only suspected of offences at this stage and are presumed innocent unless charged and convicted.

Anyone with information about suspected drug-related activity in their community is encouraged to report it through the Devon & Cornwall Police website or by calling 101. Information can also be given anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.