Thames Valley Police has charged 54 people during a national week of action as the force continues its commitment to combat county lines drug dealing and exploitation.
The work carried out from 27 February focused on disrupting those who look to exploit communities by carrying out drug offences and exploiting the vulnerable.
A number of warrants took place across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire, which contributed to the force’s ongoing Stronghold campaign, to work in partnership to tackle serious organised crime and exploitation.
County lines drug dealing is where organised crime groups (OCGs) use phone lines to move and supply drugs, usually from cities into smaller towns and rural areas.
This type of offending often exploits children and vulnerable people who may have addiction or mental health issues.
Victims are often exploited by OCGs who groom, coerce and often will use intimidation and violence in order to supply drugs to others.
As well as warrants, there were a number of activities that took place across the force that focused on safeguarding victims of these crimes, whilst also taking measures that look to prevent people becoming victims.
We visited previous victims of cuckooing and our officers have worked with schools in order to warn and inform pupils and teachers of the dangers of drugs and drug supply, and how criminal groups can look to exploit children.
During this week of action Thames Valley Police has:
- Arrested 102 people
- Charged 54 people
- Safeguarded 37 people
- Visited 78 addresses that have been taken over by a county line
- Submitted 6 National Referral Mechanism referrals to date
- Seized over 400 wraps of cocaine, heroin and crack cocaine
- Seized at least 90 Cannabis plants
- A number of weapons seized including a baseball bat, machetes and an array of hunting, flick, Rambo and kitchen knives meaning numerous weapons have been taken off of our streets.
- Seized approximately £66,000 in cash
- Seized approximately 160 mobile phones
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