1,100 arrested in crackdown on county lines drug gangs
292 weapons were seized in the national crackdown
A national crackdown on county lines drug gangs has led to more than 1,000 arrests in what has been described as a "relentless" pursuit to prevent criminal activity.
It is thought that there are around 600 county lines gangs operating in the UK, however this figure has dropped considerably from the 2,000 gangs active in 2019.
Forces across the UK seized 292 weapons in the week beginning 17th May, including 33 guns and 219 knives.
Millions of pounds worth of class A drugs were also seized in an attempt to "land fewer drugs in our towns and cities".
What do these crime gangs do?
Crime gangs are urban drug dealers who trade to people in rural areas using specially designated phone lines.
They often exploit children to work as couriers and the homes of vulnerable people to store and deal drugs.
In the week of the crackdown, a total of 1,138 vulnerable people were safeguarded .
Why was there a week long national crackdown?
According to Deputy Assistant Commissioner Graham McNulty, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for county lines, week long national crackdowns allow forces to "dedicate a burst of activity and resources nationally, highlighting to the public our absolute determination to rid communities of this abhorrent crime."
He urged people to stay alert to signs of exploitation, such as "a child with unexplained cash, a new expensive phone or clothing, suddenly going missing, in possession of rail tickets or taxi receipts, a change in behaviour and new people suddenly appearing at a house or flat.”