Arrests made across Wiltshire in County Lines drug dealing operation
Officers also seized thousands of pounds worth of drugs and cash
15 people have been arrested across Wiltshire during a week long operation to crack down on County Lines drug activity.
Officers from the force's Fortitude team, which tackles serious and organised crime, had support from Roads Policing and neighbourhood teams to carry out warrants and searches.
£5,700 worth of crack, £23,000 worth of cocaine and £17,325 in cash was seized during the week, as well as four weapons, including an imitation firearm.
Officers also conducted 38 cuckoo and vulnerability checks, obtained one closure order, and performed 128 focused patrols of hotspots.
Detective Superintendent Ben Mant said:
“These are excellent results and mean that thousands of pounds worth of drugs have been removed from the market.
“We arrested 15 people and we have already successfully brought charges against three people, one of whom has pleaded guilty.
“We disrupt County Lines all throughout the year, however during County Lines Intensification Week in particular we work with our partners and other forces to target these organised networks which bring so much misery to our communities and prey on the most vulnerable members of society.
“It is my hope that the public are reassured by our ongoing efforts and the tireless work by officers and staff across the Force in tackling this type of organised criminality.
“Our work will always continue against the distribution of drugs in our county. However, we can’t be everywhere, and we need the public’s help to report any suspicious activity in their neighbourhood. I would urge anyone who suspects drug gangs operating in their area to contact us.”
Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said:
“Drugs have a huge detrimental impact. From the exploitation of children and vulnerable people to gang culture, violent crime and associated anti-social behaviour, the ripples are felt in every corner of the county.
“I’ve been given a clear message by the people of Wiltshire that they want the drugs and the dealers off of our streets and together, we will make sure that happens.
“Successful operations like this will hammer home the message to County Lines gangs that Wiltshire isn’t a soft target when it comes to drugs and our work with neighbouring forces should make it clear that the entire region is no place for drugs.”