West Mids police raid on crime gang 'biggest in recent history'
143 arrests were made and £30k was seized from drugs gangs last week
Last updated 21st Oct 2021
The biggest raid in recent history by the West Midlands Police saw 150 officers seize £10,000 cash from a Birmingham crime gang.
Officers hit 10 addresses from the early hours of Wednesday 20 October, arresting 10 men aged between 16 and 36.
The suspects were arrested on suspicion of conspiring to supply heroin and crack cocaine, and were found at addresses in the Bordesley Green and Sparkhill area.
Officers were assisted by drugs dogs and drones in the raid, which saw them seize drugs worth hundreds of pounds and more than £10,000 of cash.
Detective Inspector Al Teague said: "This is a really significant operation that has effectively brought down, or at the very least severely damaged, an organised crime gang.
“It’s part of a wider campaign to suppress violence – much of it linked to drugs supply – in east Birmingham and to disrupt gang activity.
“These are people we suspect are causing fear on our streets and we won’t tolerate it; anyone who affiliates themselves with gangs can expect to be targeted by us and potentially spend a long time in prison.”
A crackdown on County Lines
Last week (11-17 Oct), in a 7-day long operation against County Lines drugs gangs, officers arrested 143 people suspected of being involved in running cannabis, crack cocaine and heroin supply networks from the West Midlands.
Police also seized 630 wraps of Class A drugs, 3,400 cannabis plants, firearms and more than 30 knives and machetes.
Officers, who worked alongside Warwickshire, West Mercia and Staffordshire police, recovered nearly £30,000 in cash as well multiple suspected 'burner' phones.
Superintendent Wendy Bailey, lead for County Lines, said: “These gangs are ruthless: they use people as commodities, coercing or threatening them to deal drugs on their behalf.
"It’s not rare for these people, including children, to be attacked by rival drugs gangs.
“Last week was really successful: we executed 43 warrants during as we went after offenders and ran operations at transport hubs, and on the road and rail network, looking for people moving drugs."
Spot the signs that children may be involved in County Lines gangs
What are the signs that children are being exploited?
There are a number of signs which may help reveal whether a child is being exploited by County Lines drugs gangs. It is up to the public and campaigns like #LookCloser to identify these signs and help protect children at risk.
Children looking anxious or lost
Children travelling alone frequently, either at night or during school hours, is one sign to look out for. Children that are being exploited may appear lost or unfamiliar with their surroundings. Appearing anxious, frightened and angry is also an indicator.
Carrying two phones
Being in possession of more than one phone is an indicator that children may be contacting the individuals or groups that are exploiting them.
Carrying lots of cash
Carrying large sums of money is another sign to look out for when worried that a child is being exploited.
Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Children involved with County Lines drugs gangs could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Being controlled by others
Being instructed or controlled by another individual, or being accompanied by people that are older than them, is another sign that a child may be being exploited.
Begging for money
Children that are begging in a public space is another indicator.
Where to spot children being exploited by County Lines gangs
It's important to know where children that are being exploited might be found. Buses, trains, trams and other forms of public transport are used to move children. Food outlets or roadside services may be used for children to stock up on amenities. Hotels, salons and car washes may be places where exploitation happens 'behind closed doors'.
Will there be exploited children near me?
There's a chance you might come across a child being exploited when at your place of work. They may be found in banks when moving money between accounts.
Taxis and private hire vehicles may be used by children when in contact with those who are exploiting them; it's important for taxi drivers to not ignore concerning phone conversations.
Takeaway and delivery drivers who visit residential areas and travel through public spaces may have the opportunity to identify a household in which children are being exploited. Retail workers may come into contact with children that are stealing items or begging for money, which are also signifiers.
Hotels, caravan parks and rented accommodation are used to abuse and exploit children. Workers should keep an eye out for young people checking in with adults that do not appear to be their parents.