North East County Lines clampdown sees nearly 80 arrests
Police forces across the region worked together last week
Last updated 20th Oct 2023
A co-ordinated operation in the North East tackling cross-border drug dealing has seen almost 80 arrests and a number of deal lines shut down.
Last week, officers from from our region stood united with partners across the country in the fight against County Lines and drug supply.
The week of intensification saw warrants executed, drugs seized and 79 people arrested in the North East.
Police say County Lines sees ruthless dealers expanding their illicit operations through dedicated mobile phone lines, known as ‘deal’ lines, which sell highly addictive substances at low prices to keep vulnerable addicts coming back for more.
They added that in order to maintain their illegal activity, criminals often exploit children and young people by grooming them into becoming drug mules, threatening violence and intimidating them to keep them trapped.
Officers North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU), Northumbria Police, Durham Constabulary and Cleveland Police were joined by the prison services, local authorities and safeguarding partners as they carried out several targeted operations across the region to safeguard vulnerable victims, shut down drug lines and educate young people around the dangers of becoming involved with drugs.
The region-wide activity saw large quantities of drugs seized, including cocaine, heroin and cannabis – with warrants also resulting in the seizure of large quantities of cash and weapons.
NEROCU County Lines Co-Ordinator Ian Randell, has praised the regional efforts and the outstanding results.
He said: “This latest intensification week has delivered more great results, but we want to reassure the region that our commitment to taking action doesn’t end here. Our work tackling County Lines happens year-round, with dedicated teams building intelligence, shutting down deal lines, arresting suspects and protecting those being exploited.
“Another big part of tackling County Lines is also educating young and vulnerable people on the dangers and the signs to look out for. Our amazing safeguarding partners are a vital tool in helping those who are vulnerable to get support and away from crime.
“Under the banner of Operation Sentinel, our dedicated regional initiative to tackling serious and organised crime, we will continue to work with partners and pursue offenders, shut down their lines, and work with young people and those who have been impacted by this abhorrent crime.”
Ian added: “Illegal drugs are incredibly harmful to users, communities and those being exploited as part of serious and organised crime”.
“We’re urging our North East communities to report concerns surrounding drugs to police to help us build a bigger intelligence picture so we can proactively target suspects and safeguard those who need support. Details of the deal lines, often branded, people involved and the vehicles used are very important to the police to enable them to be targeted”
If you see something that doesn’t look right or know of any vulnerable people who may be involved in County Lines, please get in touch and help protect them.
Alternatively, if you have concerns or information, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 111 555 or visit their website.
Northumbria Police
Northumbria Police say there were almost £40,000 of suspected criminal cash recovered and quantities of cocaine and crack seized.
Officers executed a string of warrants at properties across Sunderland, Newcastle, Forest Hall and Northumberland as well as vehicle stops, and targeted partnership activity in schools and across the wider community.
A total of 60 people were arrested, including a 17-year-old male from Sunderland, who was convicted of supplying Class A drugs within 24 hours. He has since been bailed and awaits sentencing next month.
Officers also recovered quantities of heroin, crack, cocaine, cannabis and steroids valued at £24,000 from a number of addresses as well as weapons including machetes and zombie knives.
A total of £39,890 of suspected criminal cash was seized, along with 48 mobile phones and a number of deal-lines shut down.
Chief Superintendent Neil Hutchison said: “As a Force we are determined to protect our communities from the threats of violence, exploitation and wider criminality associated with County Lines drug dealing.
“This week of action is not an exception but an extension of the work going on year-round to shut down the supply chains and disrupt and dismantle the criminal groups trying to make money through the exploitation and abuse of others.
“Illegal drugs are incredibly harmful not just to those who become trapped in addiction but to the communities who experience the ripple effects of antisocial behaviour and disorder that come with the criminal networks who sell them.
“Through Operation Sentinel, our ongoing activity to tackle this type of criminality, we will continue to build and develop a strong intelligence picture so we can pursue offenders and place them before the courts as well as identify those individuals and communities most at risk.
“The sale and supply of illegal, harmful substances is not something we take lightly in Northumbria and anyone found to be involved should expect strong action to be taken against them.”
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness, said: “Here we have yet more strong results from Northumbria Police – arrests, seizures and crucially, vulnerable people saved from getting caught up in County Lines.
"This week is a great example of the work that goes on, but there is so much more happening all the time from gathering evidence and intelligence, through to knocking doors down to catch offenders and get them locked up in the cells.
"These people rope young people into their dealings, they ruin lives, and we won’t stand for it in the North East. Officers will not stop pursuing those at the top of the chain who are behind the harm and devastation - these people need to be caught and our police are on a mission to make sure they do.”
Cleveland Police
Cleveland Police say they seized nearly £15,000 worth of drugs, many weapons and hundreds of pounds worth of cash and arrested 18 people during the week of action.
Six air rifles, a pistol, baton, four machetes and a flick knife were amongst the weapons seized, as well as over £11,000 worth of crack cocaine.
In addition to this, officers from the Force and partner agencies also participated in the following:
• A number of drugs warrants across Redcar and Cleveland, Hartlepool, Stockton and Middlesbrough.
• School Liaison Officers visited schools across Teesside School to provide inputs to children of all ages around the topic of County Lines.
• The Force provided funds for three webinar sessions from Barnardo’s to raise awareness about county lines offending, spotting the signs and reporting streams. This included an input from two males with lived experience. These webinars were advertised with North-East Forces.
• The Force, Middlesbrough Council and those working in the nighttime economy attended a Children’s Society event at Middlesbrough College where they presented their #LookCloser campaign. This was to raise awareness around what county lines offending involves and how those working in the nighttime economy can spot the signs. It also provided people with an opportunity to agree to assist each other with sharing intelligence when a vulnerable person may be identified.
• Officers and PCSOs from Neighbourhood Teams distributed #LookCloser leaflets and cards to residential properties and businesses.
• The North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) worked with the Force and arrested five people on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs – they were bailed pending further enquiries. They also seized several weapons.
Speaking of the week of action, Detective Chief Inspector Gez Wraith said: “County Lines Intensification Week aims to protect vulnerable people from exploitation and tackle the supply of illegal substances.
“The results have been successful thanks to a team effort from the Force and our colleagues from partner agencies; resulting in removing illegal drugs and weapons from our communities and engaging with and safeguarding a number of people.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been involved in this week of action as it requires a lot of hard work and dedication.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to tackle county lines and would urge anyone who believes someone is being exploited in their neighbourhood or anyone who may have concerns, to contact the police on 101. Alternatively, you can pass information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by phoning 0800 555 111”.