South Wales Police’s enhanced activity as part of the national County Lines Intensification Week resulted in over thirty arrests and seizures of class A and B drugs, knives and cash.
Organised Crime, Intelligence, and Exploitation teams worked together across south Wales to on operations aimed at safeguarding victims of exploitation, identifying and arresting those selling drugs in our communities, and closing drugs lines across the force area.
Neighbourhood teams also spent time in the community dedicated to spreading awareness of the risks and tactics used to exploit the vulnerable into moving their drugs for them, and patrolling areas linked to County Lines activity.
The activity between June 23 and June 29 resulted in:
· 39 arrests;
· Seven drugs lines seized and closed;
· Drugs seizures including:
· 1kg of cocaine
· 58g crack cocaine
· 26g of heroin
· 516 cannabis plants
· 690g of cannabis bud
· 500g of ketamine
· £27,195 in criminal cash seized;
· Six knives removed from the community;
· 61 mobiles linked to drugs activity seized;
· 10 people safeguarded;
Controlled Drugs Force Lead, Detective Superintendent Mark Lewis, said:“We remain committed in our efforts to tackle drug supply in our communities, finding those accountable and safeguarding those who have been manipulated.
“This week of action, in collaboration with working with neighbouring police forces and partners resulted in the dismantling of many criminal enterprises and the seizure of drugs, weapons, and cash linked to illegal actions.
“Our efforts to tackle this type of crime continues around the clock, with our teams dedicated to detecting and disrupting the supply of drugs.”
County Lines is the term used to describe drug dealing where mobile phones are used to supply drugs, typically from large cities to towns and rural areas. County Lines are run by ‘Line Holders’ and the runners, sometimes vulnerable people, deliver the drugs. The runners are often young people being exploited and may possess knives or other weapons. The system of drug distribution leads to serious violence and exploitation.
Ten people were safeguarded throughout the week. It is believed these individuals, vulnerable because of their age, or their personal circumstances, such as addiction, are suspected to have been coerced and controlled by County Lines gangs and at serious risk of harm.
