Police uncover a new “county line” trafficking drugs into Harrogate
Officers have identified a pattern of increased drug dealing and associated violent crime.
A senior police officer is asking members of the public to understand the signs of “county lines” drug dealing.
Police in Harrogate have identified a pattern of increased drug dealing and associated violent crime.
A new “county line” which is believed to originate from West Yorkshire is trafficking drugs into Harrogate via the road network and public transport.
In response to this issue, officers launched ‘Operation Roll,’ at the start of June to target offenders and protect the most vulnerable in local communities.
In the first four weeks, nine arrests have been made, from the nine, four have been charged and remanded (see the below arrest round up for further details).
The team have also seized a taser, suspected drugs, cash and a mobile phone from the streets of Harrogate.
County Lines is a term used to describe gangs and organised criminal networks who are involved in exporting illegal drugs, using dedicated mobile phone lines or other forms of a ‘deal line’.
A county line is often run by a gang who are usually associated with violence, drug dealing and exploitation.
Several specialist officers are assigned to the proactive operation including neighbourhood policing officers, detectives, intelligence teams and officers from Operation Expedite – North Yorkshire Police’s Proactive Policing Team - who are working together to target and disrupt this new drug line.
They are currently working around the clock to gather intelligence, carry out warrants, patrol the county’s borders and intercept criminals.
The team operate predominantly in plain clothes and unmarked vehicles.
A police dog which is trained to detect drugs is also being deployed to work at transport hub in Harrogate to intercept the supply of drugs by train and bus.
The operation is led by Harrogate’s Crime Commander, Detective Chief Inspector Fionna McEwan. She said:
“Harrogate is one of the safest places to live in the country, but we must not become complacent. This type of drug-related crime has no place in our community.
“I would like to reassure the public that I don’t believe there is a significant risk to local communities.
“The increased level of violence that we have seen recently has been targeted towards individuals who are involved in drug-related criminality.
“Driving this gang out of Harrogate is now a key priority for us and although we have seen success so far, there is more to be done.
“As always, and especially with drug related crime, I urge members of the public to help us by being vigilant and checking in on the younger and vulnerable people in our communities.
“Please look out for your neighbours, friends and relatives and know how to spot the signs if a person is at risk of Cuckooing. And please keep an eye out for the signs that younger or vulnerable people may be exploited by gangs and coerced into drug dealing for them”.
North Yorkshire Police arrested a total of 9 people in connection with the latest crackdown on county lines drug dealing.