Five arrested during early-morning County Lines raids

Police have arrested five men, after their County Lines Taskforce carried out several warrants across Sandwell and Dudley this morning.

The warrants were carried out as officers seek to dismantle the 'Dappa Line,' which is understood to have supplied Class A drugs around the Black Country.

After the early-morning warrants, five men aged 18, 23, 25, 37 and 38, have all been arrested, on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and possession of weapon offences. They remain in custody, for questioning.

Several mobile phones, which are suspected to be linked to drug dealing, were recovered along with cash, knives, imitation firearms and ammunition.

Suspected gun powder has been discovered at one address and searches are ongoing, with assistance from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). However, there is not thought to be any wider threat to the community.

Police say the County Lines Taskforce is committed to disrupting the supply of drugs in the West Midlands and is relentlessly targeting those suspected of involvement in it.

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