Over £450,000 worth of drugs seized in year-long County Lines operation
Over 330 people were also arrested between April 2022 and March this year.
Last updated 5th Jun 2023
In the last year (April 2022 to March 2023), West Mercia police have arrested more than 300 people and seized more than £450,000-worth of drugs in a continued focus on tackling county lines drug dealing.
Throughout the year-long operation, West Mercia Police have also seen £95,000 in cash seized as well as 78 county lines phone lines closed or disrupted.
100 people have also been safeguarded and 99 people have been charged with various offences.
County Lines drug dealing sees dealers exploit children and young people, recruiting them to run drugs and cash between urban and county locations and deal drugs on their behalf.
Once recruited into County Lines it can be difficult for those being exploited to leave, with fear and threats of violence made to them and their family.
Vulnerable adults, such as those dependent on alcohol or drug use, are also targeted with drug dealers often taking over their home to deal drugs - a practice known as cuckooing.
Detective Chief Inspector Oliver Ewels said: “During the last 12 months, we have relentlessly pursued County Lines drug dealers who have a devastating impact on our communities. The results are a huge achievement, but we will not rest on our success.
“County Lines drug dealing will remain a priority for West Mercia Police. Our dedicated County Lines teams will continue to root out the drug dealers and exploiters who care only about profits and not the children and other vulnerable people they exploit. Working with our partners, we will make our counties hostile places for those involved in County Lines networks”.