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£3 Million Worth of Drugs and Over 500 Weapons Seized in County Lines Crackdown
A nationwide crackdown on county lines drug gangs has resulted in the seizure of drugs worth £3 million and over 500 weapons, in what police have described as a significant blow to organised crime. The operation, carried out over two weeks, also saw the arrest of 1,200 individuals linked to county lines networks and the safeguarding of hundreds of vulnerable individuals exploited by these criminal operations.
Operation Highlights
The large-scale police operation, coordinated by the National County Lines Coordination Centre, targeted gangs operating across England and Wales. County lines gangs use young and vulnerable individuals to transport drugs from urban hubs to smaller towns and rural areas, often exploiting children through coercion and violence.
The crackdown, which ran from late November into December, involved coordinated efforts from local police forces, the National Crime Agency (NCA), and social services.
Key results from the operation include:
• £3 million worth of drugs seized: This includes significant quantities of cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and synthetic drugs.
• Over 500 weapons recovered: Items confiscated ranged from firearms and machetes to knives and baseball bats.
• 1,200 arrests made: A mix of high-level organisers and street-level dealers were apprehended.
• 1,300 vulnerable individuals safeguarded, including children under the age of 15.
A Growing Threat
County lines operations are estimated to generate billions of pounds annually, posing a significant challenge for law enforcement. Gangs exploit children, often threatening violence against them or their families to ensure compliance.
Speaking about the operation, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Graham McNulty said, “This is a serious and escalating issue. These gangs prey on the most vulnerable members of society, turning them into commodities to expand their profits. This operation highlights our commitment to dismantling these networks and protecting at-risk individuals.”
Community Impact
Local communities have felt the strain of increased crime and violence associated with county lines activity. Many residents expressed relief at the success of the recent crackdown but warned of the need for sustained action.
A resident from Kent, a hotspot for county lines activity, said, “It’s good to see the police taking action, but these gangs always seem to come back. We need long-term solutions, not just raids.”
The Fight Against Exploitation
Authorities emphasised the importance of collaboration between law enforcement, schools, social services, and charities to disrupt recruitment pipelines and offer support to victims.
This operation also included workshops and awareness campaigns in schools to educate young people about the dangers of gang involvement and the signs of exploitation.
What’s Next
Despite these successes, experts warn that the fight against county lines crime is far from over. Law enforcement agencies are calling for increased funding and greater legislative tools to tackle the issue effectively.
As one officer put it, “We may have won this battle, but the war continues. County lines gangs are highly adaptive. We must stay one step ahead.”
This latest crackdown sends a strong message to drug networks, but long-term solutions will require both community support and sustained investment in prevention and intervention programs.
Attached is a news article regarding the raids on over 3 million worth of drugs and 500 weapons seized in country lines crackdown
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
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