Thames Valley Police target county lines drug dealing in week of action
The force have spent the week targeting county lines drug dealing in Bucks, Berks and Oxon.
A week of action has focused on county lines drug dealing in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire.
Thames Valley Police have spent a week targeting county lines drug dealing in the area as part of a national focus from the National Crime Agency.
A number of warrants took place across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire as part of the week, which contributed to the forces ongoing Stronghold campaign.
County lines drug dealing is the name given to drug dealing where organised crime groups (OCGs) use phone lines to move and supply drugs, usually from cities into smaller towns and rural areas.
This type of offending exploits children and vulnerable people who may have addiction or mental health issues.
During the week Thames Valley Police have:
- Executed 20 warrants across the Force
- Arrested 91 people
- Seized about 573g of crack, heroin and cocaine
- Seized 27 weapons and 91 mobile phones
- Seized more than £50,000 in cash associated with drug dealing
- Visited 38 schools to engage with pupilsEngaged with 72 vulnerable people
- Officers have also visited previous victims of cuckooing and working with partner agencies like local authorities.
- Schools have also been involved with aim to warn and inform pupils and teachers of the dangers and how criminal groups can exploit children.
- A unique lessons plan packaged was launched for Thames Valley schools providing them with activities and resources to teach secondary school children about the dangers of child drug exploitation.
- The schools package uses a video of Dee, an ex-offender who was involved in child drug exploitation, talking about his experiences and the realities and impacts of these crimes.
- There have also been knife arches at railway stations, along with dogs and high visibility patrols.
- Detective Chief Superintendent Richard List said:
- “This week of action has been really positive in terms of making arrests, protecting vulnerable people and seizing drugs, cash and weapons.
- “We have worked with partners including local authorities, schools and charities, and have been able to educate people as to the dangers of drugs exploitation, and we have also gathered really useful intelligence which will help us continue to tackle county lines offenders going forward.
- “Combatting county lines is something that Thames Valley Police focuses on every day, but this intensification week should demonstrate to the public our dedication to fight this type of offence.
- “It should also serve as a message to offenders. We will not tolerate those who attempt to exploit our communities, and to bring to drugs into them. We know who you are, we will arrest you, stop your supply and seize your drugs and cash.
- “It is important that the public helps us in our fight against serious organised crime by reporting drug dealing or anything else which is of concern to them. If you are worried that someone you know is being exploited by drug dealers, please report it. We can then take the necessary steps to safeguard them and identify those responsible.
- “You can make a report by calling us on 101, or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
- A significant amount of intelligence has also been gathered which will help to inform the force’s continued work to combat county drugs lines in the communities.