County lines drug dealing is ‘not welcome’ and taken ‘very seriously’ say West Mercia Police
West Mercia Police says county lines drug dealing has no place in society and they deal with those involved in it very seriously. The force arrested 65 people and dismantled eight drug lines as part of a county lines intensification week which ran from the 23 June-30 June.
In total, officers seized an estimated £618,000 in drugs and over £77,000 in cash along with 20 weapons, which included machetes, swords, knives and a crossbow.
County lines force coordinator Chris Stockton says it continues to be an issue they address and one they will look to put a stop to. “It is something we do take very seriously in West Mercia and we will target organised crime networks that bring drugs from other towns and areas into ours. We need to keep getting that message out that they’re not welcome into because the activities that they conduce cause us some really significant threat and harm to our communities. This is something we need to keep on top of, one by arresting people but what we also need to do is safeguard people because they do pick on the vulnerable.”
During the week officers made 34 visits to addresses believed to be forcibly used for drug dealing and as a result safeguarded 14 vulnerable young people and adults.
This forms part of activity ongoing within the 3 counties of West Mercia, including supporting local charities working to prevent the exploitation of young people who are typically drawn into gangs behind county lines, or who fall victim to drug use from the supply. It also added to work alongside colleagues at Merseyside Police, West Midlands Police, British Transport Police and partner agencies, including councils and housing associations to dismantle the lines from major cities and disrupt the major criminal gangs.
The police also attended local schools and community events to raise awareness of the dangers and signs of county lines.