Arrests made after crackdown on drug dealing in the North East
A co-ordinated crackdown on drug dealing in the North East has seen more than 161 arrests and 17 deal lines shutdown.
Last week, officers across the country once again stood united with partners in the fight against County Lines and organised drug supply.
Police forces and Regional Organised Crime Units took part in a national coordinated operation, reaffirming their commitment to tackling county line exploitation criminality.
Officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU), Northumbria Police, Durham Constabulary and Cleveland Police were joined by the prison services, local authorities, and safeguarding partners as they carried out several targeted operations across the region to safeguard vulnerable victims, shut down drug lines and educate young people around the dangers of becoming involved with drugs.
Across the North East alone, the intensification week saw numerous warrants executed resulting in 17 deal lines shutdown, large quantities of Class A and B drugs seized, and a total of 161 people arrested.
Results also showed that 14 vulnerable people in the North East had been safeguarded due to the national operation.
County Lines sees ruthless dealers expanding their illicit operations through dedicated mobile phone lines, known as deal lines, which sell highly addictive substances.
To maintain their illegal activity, criminals often exploit children and young people by grooming them into becoming drug mules, threatening violence, and intimidating them to keep them trapped.
The national intensification week coordinated by the National County Lines Coordination Centre (NCLCC) ran from June 23 to June 29 and is just one example of the ongoing targeted activity carried out by police and partners throughout the year to tackle County Lines and protect all those impacted.
The region-wide activity saw large quantities of drugs seized with warrants also resulting in the seizure of cash and weapons.
NEROCU Regional County Lines Co-Ordinator Ian Randell, has commended the dedication of officers and staff working in the North East to continue to be at the forefront of tackling County Lines and the exploitation linked to it.
He said: “This may be our latest intensification period, but our message remains the same – we will not stop in our pursuit of organised criminals looking to hurt our North East communities with drug supply.
“We remain committed under Operation Sentinel, to putting offenders before the courts, educating young people around the dangers of becoming involved in county lines and safeguarding victims.
“I want to thank the outstanding partners we work with year-round, who help us build intelligence, shut down deal lines and protect those being exploited.”
If you see something that doesn’t look right or know of any vulnerable people who may be involved in County Lines, please get in touch with your local police and help protect them.
Alternatively, if you have concerns or information, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 111 555 or visit their website.