Police seize large quantities of drugs, cash and mobiles during county lines raids

Thames Valley Police has arrested 56 people and seized over 3,500 wraps of drugs during the National Crime Agency’s week of action to combat county lines drug dealing.

A number of warrants took place across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire, co-ordinated by the Drugs Focus Taskforce, contributing to the force’s ongoing ‘Stronghold’ campaign to work in partnership to tackle serious organised crime and exploitation.

County lines drug dealing is the name given to organised crime groups (OCGs) that move and supply drugs, usually from cities into smaller towns and rural areas.

OCGs often use intimidation and violence to exploit children and vulnerable people in order to supply drugs to others.

Officers have also 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.

Additionally, there have been knife arches at railway stations, along with dogs and high visibility patrols as well as intelligence gathering.

During the week of action, Thames Valley Police has:

• Executed 52 warrants across the Force
• Arrested 56 adults
• Seized 3,586 wraps of crack, heroin and cocaine
• Seized 118 mobile phones and 22 weapons
• Seized over £79,000 in cash associated with drug dealing
• Visited 24 schools to engage with pupils
• Engaged with 22 vulnerable people

Detective Inspector Simon Hannam of Thames Valley Police’s Drugs Focus Taskforce said: “This week of action has been really positive in terms of making arrests, protecting vulnerable people and seizing drugs and cash associated with drug dealing.

“We have worked closely with partners including local authorities, schools and charities, and have been able to educate people as to the dangers of drugs exploitation, and we have also gathered really useful intelligence which will help us continue to tackle county lines offenders going forward.

“Combatting county lines is something that Thames Valley Police focuses on every day, but this intensification week demonstrates to the public our dedication to fight this type of offence.

“It should also serve as a message to offenders. We will not tolerate those who attempt to exploit our communities, and to bring to drugs into them.

“We know who you are, we will arrest you, stop your supply and seize your drugs and cash.

“It is important that the public helps us in our fight against serious organised crime by reporting drug dealing or anything else which is of concern to them. If you are worried that someone you know is being exploited by drug dealers, please report it. We can then take the necessary steps to safeguard them and identify those responsible.

“You can make a report by calling us on 101, or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”