A CRACK down on county lines offences saw the region’s police take hundreds of thousands of pounds of drugs and cash, dozens of weapons, and various suspects off the streets.
Between October 9 and October 15, West Mercia Police took part in County Lines Intensification Week – a national week of action to target county lines drug gangs.
During the week, they seized drugs with an estimated street value of more than £319K, as well as 9 vehicles, 27 weapons, 73 phones and more than £16K in cash.
Their enforcement activity reportedly resulted in the closure of four county lines.
The police say education and early intervention are vital in preventing exploitation and protecting our communities from county lines drug dealers and gangs.
As part of the operation, officers made themselves present in local communities to provide visible reassurance and engagement around the issues and warning signs of county lines.
County lines drug dealers often exploit children and young people, recruiting them to deal drugs on their behalf.
Once recruited into county lines it can be difficult for those being exploited to leave, with fear and intimidation used to keep them in place.
Vulnerable adults, such as those dependent on drug use, will also be targeted and their property taken over by drug dealers in a local area, a practice known as cuckooing.
To help tackle this, police carried out safeguarding work to protect vulnerable people and children from being exploited by county lines gangs.
They visited schools, universities, and sports clubs to make them aware of the warning signs of county lines, and highlighted the ways they can report these signs if they see them.
Our teams visited 127 properties on cuckooing visits and safeguarded 46 people during the week.
Detective Chief Inspector Ian Wall said: “We have placed a real focus on safeguarding those impacted by county lines drug dealing.
“Serious and Organised Crime and County Lines drug dealing remains a priority for West Mercia Police.
“We will work tirelessly to make sure our communities are unwelcoming for criminals travelling across our policing borders.”
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “I regularly hear about the negative impacts caused on our streets caused by serious drug offences and I am committed to making a difference.
“I will continue to invest in West Mercia Police with the resources and tools it needs to continue to succeed in its operations and bring criminals to justice.”
Visit www.westmercia.police.uk if you suspect drug dealing or are aware of young or vulnerable people at risk.
Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
