40 arrests made as police crackdown on county lines gangs in Devon
It was part of an investigation into the drugs supply network
Last updated 16th Jun 2022
40 people have been arrested as part of an investigation into County Lines gangs in Devon.
Working with the Project Medusa Team at Merseyside Police and the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SW ROCU), officers, staff and the Special Constabulary carried out a two-day proactive operation to target drug supply networks.
Over 14-15 June, a significant number of searches and activity was carried out across in Torquay, Paignton, Teignmouth and Newton Abbot.
A total of 40 people were arrested as part of the operation on suspicion of a range of offences including - possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs, being concerned in the supply of drugs, possession of an offensive weapon, money laundering, drug driving, driving whilst disqualified.
Of those arrested, four people were charged to court with offences of possession with intent to supply drugs and being concerned in the supply of drugs.
A small number were released on police bail and one person was released under investigation.
Only two have been released with no further action being taken and six were issued with cautions or community resolutions.
Items seized as part of the searches including multiple kilograms of suspected Class A and B drugs in a range of forms (Heroin, Cocaine and Ampethamine), electronic scales, multiple bladed weapons, mobile devices, a significant quantity of cash and 12 vehicles.
Project Medusa is an operation led by Merseyside Police involving a County Lines taskforce and Matrix vehicle enforcement team which was set up to tackle County Lines drug dealing and child criminal exploitation. They have provided an ongoing committed to supporting Devon & Cornwall Police.
Chief Superintendent Roy Linden, South Devon Commander said:
“Drugs and drug-related crime are extremely harmful to our communities, and operations such as this are crucial to targeting those responsible.
“Working alongside other forces and agencies allows us to maximise information sharing and intelligence in order to target offenders, safeguard vulnerable people and prevent further harm.
“Our message is very clear, we are committed to supporting our communities, protecting the vulnerable and we will pursue those who intend to commit crime here.”
Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said:
“People don’t want to see people using drugs near their homes and businesses, they don’t want to live with the effects of drugs in their communities, they want the dealers who profit from violence and misery dealt with robustly.
“I am here to make sure our police have the resources and political support they need to strike fast and without warning and to do the job they signed up for. We’re working in partnership with forces in the South West and hand in glove with this incredible team from Merseyside to send a clear message to drug dealers that this is not somewhere you want to ply your trade.”
Detective Inspector Mark Whitaker, Regional County Lines Coordinator at the SW ROCU, said:
“Joint operations like this are key to effectively target County Lines drug dealing, a crime type that relies on crossing geographical boundaries to exploit vulnerable people for profit.
“The intelligence gathered over the two days will enable us to continue to target and disrupt organised crime networks intent on supplying drugs and exploiting young and vulnerable people in our region.”