Hampshire Constabulary recently carried out a coordinated nationwide intensification on county lines drug dealing networks, which saw 6 people arrested and 11 people safeguarded on the Isle of Wight.
Specialist officers carried out warrants at properties linked to drugs and pre-planned operations to disrupt and deter offender from county lines activity between 7th and 11th October. On the Isle of Wight, a total of 4 warrants were executed leading to 6 arrests and £595 in cash being seized.
Regionally, 52 people suspected to be involved in county lines drug dealing were arrested during the week-long activity. This included 48 men and 4 women.
County lines networks are notorious for exploiting vulnerable or young people into becoming couriers who transport drugs from London into our towns and cities, with orders taken by phone.
It is not only the obviously vulnerable who are groomed for county lines activity. Young people from more stable/affluent backgrounds have been groomed for county lines dealing and to conceal the illicit finance it generates. A total of 11 people were safeguarded on the Island during the crackdown operation.
Talks were also given to schools and partner agencies to raise awareness of county lines across the region. 7 schools were visited on the Island, with 31 taxi firms and 68 hotels engaged.
Detective Superintendent Scott Mackechnie, who leads the response to drug-related harm at Hampshire Constabulary, said:
“Tackling county lines and the misery it causes to our communities is an absolute priority and these results demonstrate the power of a coordinated response with our partner agencies to a complex problem that we’re seeing in every area of the UK, not just in Hampshire.
“We play our part alongside staff working within health, social care, education and commissioned services to try to stopyoung people being drawn into county lines and keep watch for signs that young people they work with may have fallen prey to a county lines gang.
“Youngsters who suddenly have new and unaffordable belongings, go missing a lot, have friendships with older people or have unexplained injuries are all said to be possible victims.
“Supply networks are responsible for high levels of violence in addition to the exploitation and abuse of vulnerable adults and children. We all have a part to play in diverting children or vulnerable adults from getting involved in the first place.”
If you have any information about people you are either being exploited by a network or directly involved in the supply then contact Police on 101. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
If you are a young person who is worried about being involved in County Lines, or knows someone who is, you can speak to an adult and let them know how you feel. You can also contact www.fearless.org who allow you to pass on information about crime anonymously. You can also contact Childline on 0800 1111 – they are a private and confidential service where you can talk to counsellors about anything that is worrying you.
Well done to all involved, let’s hope that those found guilty are given BIG sentences not the usual 6 months to 3 years.