Significant rise in illegal drug phone lines detected in Cambridge
New threat assessment reveals an alarming increase in county lines activity within Cambridge
A recent threat assessment has revealed a notable increase in phone lines used for selling illegal drugs in Cambridge.
The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) reports that the number of county lines operating across the UK has risen by more than 50 per cent.
The data indicates that 6,644 lines were detected in 2023-24, compared to 4,007 in the previous year.
The NPCC has indicated that this rise can be partly attributed to enhanced reporting methods. A spokesperson stated, “The increase in reported lines reflects improvements in the ability of law enforcement to identify and trace these networks.”
In Cambridge, police have reported a rise in drug-related activities, with an increasing number of social media accounts promoting the sale of illegal substances, including cannabis, MDMA, LSD, crystal meth, and ketamine. The spokesperson added, “We are seeing a significant use of online platforms for drug sales, which has implications for enforcement efforts in the region.”
The assessment also highlights a shift in drug distribution patterns, with a decrease of 12.2 per cent in lines operating across police force boundaries, while the number of lines operated within single force areas, including Cambridge, has increased by 232 per cent.
Although the number of criminal gangs involved in county lines has remained stable at 1,447 nationwide, the NPCC emphasises that the situation in Cambridge requires close attention. The city is identified as a key area for drug sales, alongside other regions including Cheshire, Scotland, Kent, and Essex.
Local law enforcement agencies are actively addressing these developments, focusing on strategies to combat the increase in drug-related activity in Cambridge and encouraging community members to report any suspicious activities.