35 arrests as police crack down on county lines crime
Weapons including a taser, machete, and several knives were seized during a week of action
Police in Northamptonshire have joined forces nationwide to crack down on county lines crime.
The focus was on stopping organised groups that sell drugs and exploit vulnerable people.
Over the week, police teams in the county made several arrests and seized drugs, cash, and weapons, while also ensuring the safety of those who might be in danger.
The effort shows how committed the Northamptonshire Police are to breaking up these criminal networks and lessening their effect on local communities.
Some key takeaways from the operation include 35 arrests related to drug supply, burglary, and gun crime.
Police confiscated 302 wraps of Class A drugs, over 2kg of cannabis products, and more than 100 illegal vapes.
They also took 27 phones, a laptop, and over £5,000 in cash.
Weapons such as a taser, machete, and several knives were among those seized.
Safeguarding measures protected nine men and seven women.
Detective Inspector Alex O'Meara, who leads the county lines operations, said: “This was a concentrated, intelligence-led week of action that has resulted in dangerous offenders being taken off the streets, large quantities of drugs seized, and weapons removed before they could cause harm. These results demonstrate our determination to disrupt county lines networks at every level.
"County lines groups deliberately exploit vulnerable people – particularly children – for profit. We remain committed to identifying those at risk early, safeguarding them, and relentlessly targeting those who exploit them. Tackling this criminality is about far more than enforcement; it’s about protecting the vulnerable, disrupting exploitation, and working with partners to reduce harm."