151 arrested after county lines raids
NORTHUMBRIA Police crackdown on cross-border drug dealing has ended with 150 arrests and £53,000 of criminal cash, Class A drugs and weapons seized.
Northumbria Police joined forces with partner organisations to tackle county lines criminals as part of a national week of action.
County lines, a term used to describe gangs who use phone lines to import and export drugs into different areas, often exploits children and vulnerable adults into storing drugs and money. Deals are arranged via text or social media.
A total of 151 arrests were made and 78 people safeguarded. Officers recovered cannabis, crack cocaine, heroin, and various class C substances.
Weapons including knives and swords were also seized, along with a total of £52,447 in cash.
Over 2,000 illegal cigarettes were uncovered along with 50 mobile phones. Seven vehicles were uplifted.
Teams also visited schools to educate children about county lines and how they can avoid being exploited.
Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Liddell, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is a fantastic set of results from a week of action which reaffirms our commitment to eradicating this kind of criminality.
“Some of the most vulnerable people in our communities are targeted in this practice, and it has no place in our force area.
“This latest intensification period is an extension of the work that is ongoing on a daily basis to shut down supply chains, and to bring down the criminal groups seeking to get rich through the abuse and exploitation of others.
“Offenders should be under no illusion that we will root out your operation and bring you to justice.”
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness, said: “The criminals at the top of the chain lure others into doing their dirty work.
“As this work shows though, they are being caught. Our officers are on the case, not just this week but every week.
“From drug busting raids to safeguarding and supporting those in desperate need of escaping from the clutches of criminals, the relentless pursuit of these criminal gangs and those running them won’t stop.”
Anyone who is suspicious that something might be happening in their community should contact Northumbria Police via the ‘Report’ page of their online website, www. northumbria.police.uk