WATCH: Police raids during county lines drug dealing crackdown
Police are tracking down people involved in organised drug crime
Last updated 21st Oct 2021
Suspected drug traffickers have been arrested and weapons seized during a week-long operation against so-called County Lines gangs across the south.
In a nationwide operation, nearly 1,500 suspected drug traffickers were arrested, while weapons including zombie knives and samurai swords were seized
Forces focused on the organised drugs crime, which involves dealers using mobile phones to help transfer class A substances from large cities to towns and rural areas.
Our Look Closer investigation is lifting the lid on how County Lines gangs operate
County lines are run by "line holders" and young children and vulnerable adults are often groomed, coerced, or threatened into being used as "runners" to deliver the drugs.
The practice also routinely leads to violence, and 289 weapons - including 49 firearms and 120 knives - were seized in the week-long police operation.
Weapons uncovered also included 12 zombie knives, 22 machetes, eight samurai swords and four crossbows.
Hampshire Police investigating drugs supply in Gosport worked alongside Merseyside Police, with arrests taking place in the north of the country.
A 36-year-old man and a 45-year-old man were arrested in Gosport, and a 24-year-old woman and 34-year-old man were arrested in Liverpool, on suspicion of Class A drugs supply offences.
All have been released but remain under investigation while enquiries into the drugs supply continue.
Gosport Inspector Matt Wake said: "Last week in Gosport we carried out a number of proactive warrants to tackle Class A drugs supply in the borough.
"County Lines drugs supply causes misery to communities and is often linked to the exploitation of children.
"Teams targeted addresses in Burney House, Blake Court and a number of others in the borough where we seized drugs and weapons.
"We want you to tell us about drug dealing in Gosport"
"We also want you to understand that it takes time for our officers to piece together the intelligence picture from the information that you provide us, in order that we can execute these types of operations from the information you have given.
"So please contact police with any information you have, and help us to tackle the problem and safeguard vulnerable people who live in the area and are being exploited."
Graham McNulty, the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) lead for county lines, said police are making "significant inroads into dismantling violent county lines".
"The figures speak for themselves - we're stopping abhorrent criminals abusing young people and lining their own pockets in the process," he said.
"Nearly £2,000,000 worth of class A drugs and hundreds of weapons are now off our streets thanks to the work of officers up and down the country."
How to spot the signs of County Lines
What are the signs that children are being exploited?
There are a number of signs which may help reveal whether a child is being exploited by County Lines drugs gangs. It is up to the public and campaigns like #LookCloser to identify these signs and help protect children at risk.
Children looking anxious or lost
Children travelling alone frequently, either at night or during school hours, is one sign to look out for. Children that are being exploited may appear lost or unfamiliar with their surroundings. Appearing anxious, frightened and angry is also an indicator.
Carrying two phones
Being in possession of more than one phone is an indicator that children may be contacting the individuals or groups that are exploiting them.
Carrying lots of cash
Carrying large sums of money is another sign to look out for when worried that a child is being exploited.
Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Children involved with County Lines drugs gangs could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Being controlled by others
Being instructed or controlled by another individual, or being accompanied by people that are older than them, is another sign that a child may be being exploited.
Begging for money
Children that are begging in a public space is another indicator.
Where to spot children being exploited by County Lines gangs
It's important to know where children that are being exploited might be found. Buses, trains, trams and other forms of public transport are used to move children. Food outlets or roadside services may be used for children to stock up on amenities. Hotels, salons and car washes may be places where exploitation happens 'behind closed doors'.
Will there be exploited children near me?
There's a chance you might come across a child being exploited when at your place of work. They may be found in banks when moving money between accounts.
Taxis and private hire vehicles may be used by children when in contact with those who are exploiting them; it's important for taxi drivers to not ignore concerning phone conversations.
Takeaway and delivery drivers who visit residential areas and travel through public spaces may have the opportunity to identify a household in which children are being exploited. Retail workers may come into contact with children that are stealing items or begging for money, which are also signifiers.
Hotels, caravan parks and rented accommodation are used to abuse and exploit children. Workers should keep an eye out for young people checking in with adults that do not appear to be their parents.