Cracking down on county lines drugs
POLICE ARREST 16 IN A WEEK OF INTENSE ACTIVITY
POLICE have named and charged nine people following a major county lines drug-dealing investigation across Hull and the East Riding.
Humberside Police revealed they arrested a total of 16 suspects over a week of intense action into county lines drug dealing and the exploitation of children into organised crime.
During the operation, officers seized almost £28,000 worth of drugs, primarily cocaine and cannabis, £42,000 in cash and £4,000 in designer assets thought to have been bought using money made through drug dealing.
Detective Chief Inspector Iain
Pottage, force lead for county lines, said: “While we target organised criminals on a daily basis, weeks like these allow us to intensify our disruption and have a large impact in a shorter space of time.
“It’s really important we take these people off our streets, as at the heart of county lines drugs operations are exploited children or vulnerable adults that need removing from those situations and protecting from further harm.
“It’s also important we’re taking dangerous substances out of our communities, not only because these are illegal, but as drug dealing often comes with violence, disorder and antisocial behaviour.
“I would like to once again thank the public for their support, as without community information, we couldn’t have the impact we have. We continue to take all reports of child criminal exploitation and drug activity seriously and would encourage anyone with any information that could assist us to call our 101 number or Crimestoppers anonymous service on 0800 555 111.
“Investigations relating to organised crime can be lengthy and complex and enforcement may not be taken immediately, but I would like to reassure you that everything we receive helps us to build a bigger picture and ultimately bring people to justice.”
The nine people charged and named by police are:
Katie Robinson, 31, and Katie Carroll, 36, of Spring Bank West, were arrested on Tuesday, October 12, on Pease Street and St Lukes Street respectively.
They were charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, namely heroin and crack cocaine, and possession of criminal property.
Six men and a woman were charged with a number of offences including being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis, possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs and possession of criminal property, namely cash.
Michael Day, 41, of Cliff Street,
Bridlington, Mark Falkingham, 42, of Cliff Street, Bridlington, Neil Wright, 39, of Cliff Street, Bridlington, Ella Lee, 38, of Speeton, Filey, Rory Simpson, 32, of Miles Hill Crescent, Bradford, John Davies, 28, of Flockton Avenue, Bradford, Matthew Butters, 38, of Scholes Street, Bradford, will appear at Hull Crown Court on November 17.
A 50-year-old man has also been charged with possession of heroin following a warrant on Durban Road, Grimsby, on Wednesday, October 13.