Huge police operation disrupts supply of drugs in West Country
31 people have been arrested following a crackdown on county lines
Last updated 10th Mar 2023
Drugs, cash, vehicles and weapons have been seized following a crackdown on county lines across Devon and Cornwall.
More than 100 officers were involved in the operation in Newquay and Penzance, with warrants carried out in Truro and St Austell and a vehicle stopped on the M5 near Exeter.
Head of Proactive Investigation, Detective Superintendent Jon Bancroft said: “Over the past two weeks we have seen some fantastic results from targeted work not only in removing drugs from our streets but also disrupting their movement and protecting vulnerable people at risk from dangerous drug networks.
“This work happens every day in policing our communities, but the results show what is possible when we work with other forces and partner agencies to have an even bigger impact. I’d urge anyone with information about drug use or supply in their communities to report it to us so that we can continue this activity and see more results like this.”
Project Medusa, is a dedicated County Lines team from Merseyside Police which carried out the joint operation with local police in Cornwall and the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit.
Superintendent Martin Earl from Merseyside Police said: "There is no doubt that the additional activity we have carried out will have further disrupted organised crime groups and the use and supply of drugs across the country.
"As a force we are committed to working alongside partners and other forces to close County Lines and protect vulnerable people.
"We will relentlessly target those crime groups who cowardly exploit vulnerable people in our communities.”
Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “It is absolutely vital that we work with other forces to tackle the drug dealing which does so much damage in our communities.
“These operations will continue with my full support, which includes direct financial investment, so our communities and the dealers who seek to exploit our most vulnerable citizens understand that this evil trade will not be tolerated here.”