Over 200 arrests in county line drug dealing crackdown across North East
67 people were charged
Last updated 1st May 2025
Police say they've made over 200 arrests as part of a 5-month crackdown on county lines drug dealing in the North East.
The Regional Organised Crime Unit says its shut down more than 60 deal lines and 67 people have now been charged with drugs offences.
Officers also safeguarded 53 vulnerable adults and children.
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: “Our commitment to eradicating this form of criminality from our region continues year-round but these latest figures show the overwhelming progress we’re making in the North East.
“Organised criminals seek to profit from the exploitation of vulnerable people and our officers, and the partners we work with, are here to protect them and pursue those responsible.
“We will continue our efforts to tackle this type of offending, shut down supply chains, and dismantle these criminal networks.
“Under the banner of Operation Sentinel, our dedicated regional initiative to tackling serious and organised crime, we will continue our pursuit to tackle County Lines in all its forms.”