Week-long operation to target county lines activity across Warwickshire sees 35 arrested - The Leamington Observer

Week-long operation to target county lines activity across Warwickshire sees 35 arrested

Leamington Editorial 2nd Jun, 2021   0

A WEEK-long operation to target county lines activity within Warwickshire saw 35 people arrested.

County lines activity sees people regularly travel from urban areas to smaller locations to sell drugs.

It can see an increase in violent incidents after drug dealers try to take over the local market or take over from other groups.

They often use local properties as a base which is taken by force or coercion.




A week of action saw six warrants in Leamington, Warwick and Nuneaton and 35 arrests made.

As a result, 10 people have been charged, 19 have been released under investigation, two were returned to prison, two people were wanted on warrant and have since attended court, and two cautions were issued.


Some 280 wraps of crack cocaine, 210 wraps of heroin, six wraps of cocaine, a significant amount of cannabis and a pot of amphetamine was seized during the week.

More than £14,000 of cash was also seized, along with a machete, a BB gun, CS canisters and a flick knife. More than 30 mobile phones were also recovered and two vehicles.

Some 11 vulnerable people were also identified and will be supported.

Stepping up action during the week also saw various vehicle stops, visits to people at risk of exploitation, training and awareness sessions at schools, colleges, hotels and transport companies, and information leaflets were distributed to local communities.

Det Insp Alan Townsend said: “Last week’s activity targeted county lines drugs activity and the cross-cutting criminality that comes with it. I hope the activity demonstrates how the force is working tirelessly to tackle, disrupt and dismantle drugs supply and protect the young and vulnerable people who are often exploited by this in our communities.

“The aim of the operation was to identify and be robust in tackling, disrupting and dismantling county lines drug supply activities, and to protect Warwickshire communities from harm by protecting the most vulnerable and bringing offenders to justice.

“The week involved a collaborative approach with various departments in the force and with our partner agencies. We are pleased with the outcome, which will have a positive impact on disrupting county lines in Warwickshire.

“This may have been a week of activity but this disruption will not stop and operations such as these are very much ‘business as usual’ for us. Tackling county lines drug dealing remains a priority for Warwickshire Police. We will continue to pursue and prosecute those who bring drugs into our counties, commit violence and exploit vulnerable members of our communities.”

Anyone with suspicions of drug dealing or county lines dealing should contact police on 101 or ring 0800 555 111 to speak to Crimestoppers anonymously.

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