Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary arrested 57 people and dismantled 12 drug lines, as part of a national County Lines Intensification Week which ran last month (23rd June – 29th June).
County Lines is the term used to describe drug dealing where a phone number ‘line’, usually a mobile, is used to supply drugs from large cities into rural towns and areas.
During this week of intensification our officers also seized large quantities of Class A and B drugs, which included over 500 cannabis plants, crack-cocaine, powdered cocaine, heroin and ketamine. In addition, over ten thousand pounds in cash was seized, along with 17 offensive weapons, which included machetes, samurai swords, knives and an axe machete.
Key Seizures and Safeguarding
- 57 arrests were made
- 65 mobile phones seized
- 11 county lines disrupted
- Large quantities of illegal Class A and B drugs seized
- £10k in cash seized and £400 in fake notes
- 17 dangerous weapons from our streets recovered
- 29 cuckooing visits carried out
- 47 vulnerable people safeguarded
- 89 stop checks and 19 vehicles searches
Officers made 29 visits to addresses believed to be forcibly used for drug dealing, and as a result safeguarded 47 vulnerable young people and adults. Police also attended local schools and community events to raise awareness of the dangers and signs of county lines.
Partnership Working
County lines drug dealers don’t respect borders and will travel to commit their crimes, that is why we joined forces and worked alongside our colleagues at the Metropolitan Police, British Transport Police and partner agencies, including councils and housing associations to dismantle and disrupt criminal gangs.
On Thursday, 26th June a county line between London and Hampshire was also halted by police. They arrested 4 male suspects at addresses in London and Portsmouth. At one address in the Isle of Dogs, London, a suspect was arrested and found in possession of several class A and class B drugs, cash amounting to over £5,000 and several high-value items including sports cars and designer watches. A pair of others were arrested at addresses in Portsmouth with quantities of drugs and cash seized including crystalized MDMA, cocaine, ketamine and cannabis and one was detained at London Gatwick Airport. There have since been charges relating to these arrests.
This work delivers on the Police and Crime Commissioner’s priority, within her Police and Crime Plan, to target illegal drugs and the harm they cause in our society.
PCC Donna Jones said:
“County lines drug gangs bring violence and exploitation into our communities, causing misery and destroying lives.
“I commend the sterling work of officers and staff during this latest week of action. The results demonstrate both mine and the force’s ongoing commitment to remove drugs, dangerous weapons and criminals from our streets and keep people safe.
“The children and adults groomed by these criminal gangs are often in debt and living in fear of violence.
“It’s important they have the right support in place and as Police Commissioner, I will continue to fund interventions for those on the edges of crime who need help to break free from addiction and the risk of exploitation.”
How to Report
If you notice any suspicious activity that concerns you, you can:
Report it to us online via our website
- Call 101 in a non-emergency
- Call 999 in an emergency
- Share information anonymously via Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or online at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org
Ongoing Serious Orgnaised Crime (SOC) Strategy
County Lines Intensification Week forms part our ongoing commitment to tackle serious and organised crime (SOC). This work comprises of 4 key areas:
- Pursue – prosecuting and disrupting those involved in SOC
- Prevent – stopping individuals from becoming involved in SOC
- Protect – increased levels of protection against SOC
- Prepare – reducing the impact of SOC where it occurs
I look forward to the report on the sentencing.
Well done.