THERE was no hiding place for drug dealers in a week-long crackdown targeting County Lines supply chains across the region.
Working with officers from Warwickshire, West Mercia and Staffordshire, West Midlands Police recovered nearly £30,000 in cash and dozens of suspected ‘burner’ phones suspected of being used as drugs hotlines.
They also arrested 143 people, seized 630 wraps of Class A drugs and 3,400 cannabis plants, plus recovered weapons including firearms and more than 30 knives and machetes.
County Lines gangs exploit children and vulnerable people to move drugs from the West Midlands into shire counties and smaller towns.
West Midlands Police lead for County Lines Superintendent Wendy Bailey said: “These gangs are ruthless: they use people as commodities, coercing or threatening them to deal drugs on their behalf. It’s not rare for these people, including children, to be attacked by rival drugs gangs.
“Last week was really successful: we executed 43 warrants during as we went after offenders and ran operations at transport hubs, and on the road and rail network, looking for people moving drugs.
“But importantly we also carried out work aimed at protecting children from exploitation and to raise awareness of tactics used by drugs gangs.
“Officers visited care homes and schools, spoke to staff at hotels and taxi firms so they know the signs to be aware of, and ex-offenders now working as mentors with the charity St Giles came in to share their experiences with our officers.
“This was a week of joint activity with other forces and charities but rest assured we are targeting County Lines gangs every day of the week.”
For more information and advice on County Lines, including advice if a child is being exploited to run drugs and the signs to look out for visit: https://west-midlands.police.uk/your-options/county-lines
