6.1 C
Lancashire
Sunday, December 8, 2024

Fifty people arrested during county lines blitz

Lancashire Police arrested 50 people after seizing cash, weapons, mobile phones along with suspected Class A drugs, during a major operation to crack down on ‘county lines’ offenders.

County Lines is a term used to describe drug dealing where mobile phones are used to supply drugs from large cities to towns and rural areas. County Lines are run by ‘line holders’ and the runners, often vulnerable people, deliver the drugs. The system of drug distribution leads to serious violence and exploitation.

As part of County Lines Intensification week, officers visited and safeguarded vulnerable people, provided educational visits to schools across the county and visited bus stations, train stations and taxi ranks to raise awareness of county lines, delivering messages and leaflets.

During the week, 39 men and five women were arrested, along with six people aged under 18.

Thousands of pounds worth of Class A and Class B drugs were seized along with thousands of pounds in cash, 40 mobile phones, and 17 weapons.

Police also visited homes that they suspected were being used for cuckooing – where someone’s home is taken over by criminals to prepare or deal drugs.

Cracking down on criminals

Lancashire Constabulary’s County Lines lead superintendent Graham Hill, said: “We are working harder than ever to crack down on County Lines criminals who bring drug dealing and violence into our communities and this activity is a snapshot of the work carried out across Lancashire every single day to disrupt those involved in organised crime as part of Operation Warrior.

“Along with our partners in Children’s Social Services, Health and Education, we will continue this work, also driving awareness in schools and identifying those vulnerable to exploitation so that we can provide appropriate safeguarding.

“Our intention is to make Lancashire an uncomfortable place for these criminals to operate and we are committed to continuing to work alongside our partners and other forces to close down these lines, protect vulnerable people and remove those who exploit from our streets.”

Exploitation

During school visits, our officers provided education on how gangs will criminally exploit children and adults and have given advice on signs to look for if somebody is being exploited. Some of these signs include children frequently going missing and then returning home, having more clothes, mobile phones, or cash than usual, receiving excessive text messages or phone calls and disengagement from school.

If you believe that someone may be involved in county lines or other drugs activity, you can report it to police by calling 101. Alternatively, you can report it via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Helen Greaney
If you have interesting things happening at your company in Lancashire, I'm the news editor here and I'd love to hear it. I'm a senior journalist with more than 18 years' experience in local, regional and national newspapers, as well as in digital PR.
spot_imgspot_img

Latest

How Technology is Transforming Philanthropy

Technology has revolutionised nearly every aspect of modern life,...

MarketsCo.com Review Delves into Brokerage Services and Features

MarketsCo is a brokerage firm that offers a broad...

Lime Licensing & FSB Unite to Expand Small Business Growth

Lime Licensing Group, a trusted expert in franchise consultancy...

Burj Khalifa Illuminates with New RGBW Lighting Upgrade

Revolutionary lighting system unveiled for global icon First...
spot_img

Subscribe to our newsletter

Business Lancashire will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.

Don't miss

MarketsCo.com Review Delves into Brokerage Services and Features

MarketsCo is a brokerage firm that offers a broad...

Lime Licensing & FSB Unite to Expand Small Business Growth

Lime Licensing Group, a trusted expert in franchise consultancy...

How Technology is Transforming Philanthropy

Technology has revolutionised nearly every aspect of modern life,...

More News

Burj Khalifa Illuminates with New RGBW Lighting Upgrade

Revolutionary lighting system unveiled for global icon First display set for UAE’s Eid Al Etihad festivities Emaar Properties has revealed an impressive new lighting...

Oswaldtwistle Residents Fight Green Belt Cemetery Plan

The people of Oswaldtwistle have come together once more to oppose a controversial proposal to develop a cemetery on Green Belt land. The newly...

Lancashire Constabulary’s Force Control Room praised for “significant improvement”

Lancashire's police and crime commissioner Clive Grunshaw has scrutinised the performance of Lancashire Constabulary's Force Control Room, praising the significant improvements made in 999...