13 arrested as North Yorkshire police carry out crack down on County Lines gangs
The force have also seized weapons including a machete and cross bow
North Yorkshire police have launched a crackdown on County Lines activity which has seen the force arrest 13 people and recover a quantity of cash, drugs and several dangerous weapons.
The latest week of action took place between Monday 26 February and Sunday 10 March 2024 and was coordinated by the National County Lines Coordination Centre (NCLCC).
As part of the week the force conducted eight warrants at various addresses across North Yorkshire. They also seized £700 in cash, class-a and class –b drugs as well as several dangerous weapons which include a machete, cross bow and a throwing knife.
County Lines is a term used to describe gangs and organised criminal networks which export illegal drugs into other areas across the UK, using dedicated mobile phone ‘deal lines’. Vulnerable people - including children – are forced to deal drugs and they will often use local properties as a base for their activities; this is often acquired by force and referred to as ‘cuckooing’.
Proactive safeguarding and welfare checks were conducted at hotels and bed and breakfasts where known vulnerable persons are living. Officers also held County Lines drop-in stalls in public areas for engagement within communities.
Craven – The local Neighbourhood Policing team held a pop-up event at Morrisons in Skipton to highlight the signs of county lines drug dealing and cuckooing.
Harrogate – Officers presented an assembly at Harrogate High School to educate children about the dangers of drug use and county lines.
Scarborough – Targeted patrols were conducted at Scarborough Train Station to intercept drugs which are run via the transport network.
Ryedale – Officers attended Thornton le Dale primary school to engage with children about cuckooing and the dangers of drug use.
"If you see anything suspicious please get in touch"
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Simpson commented:
“ We fully understand the misery that is inflicted by County Lines drugs gangs upon vulnerable people, families, and communities in North Yorkshire. For this reason, we will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of targeting drug lines and safeguarding vulnerable people.
“ Once again, I’m proud of the force’s results from this latest week of intensification but it is important to express that this is just seven days.
“ Tackling County Lines drug dealing remains a priority for us, but we need the public to continue to report suspicious activity to us. If you see anything suspicious, please get in touch with us, the information maybe the missing piece of the jigsaw that helps us to further protect our communities”.
Support Services
If you are a young person who is worried about being involved in county lines, or knows someone who is, you can speak to an adult and let them know how you feel.
You can also contact www.fearless.org who allow you to pass on information about crime anonymously.
You can also contact Childline on 0800 1111 – they are a private and confidential service where you can talk to counsellors about anything that is worrying you.