1,500 arrests and £1.2 million seized in week-long County Lines crackdown
Zombie knives, machetes, and samurai swords were found alongside £2 million worth of class A drugs.
Nearly 1,500 suspected drug traffickers have been arrested in a week-long crack down on County Lines drug dealing,
Police also seized 289 weapons including zombie knives and samurai swords and crossbows.
Officers also found £1.2 million in cash and £2 million pounds worth of class A drugs.
Last week police forces across England and Wales focused on organised drugs crime, particularly County Lines, which involves dealers using children and vulnerable people to help transfer class A substances from large cities to towns and rural areas.
READ MORE: What is County Lines?
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.
Over £1.2 million was seized, along with £2 million worth of class A drugs
The raids last week lead to a total of £1,254,384 being seized, along with £2 million worth of class A drugs.
Some 28.8kg of heroin and 26.8kg of cocaine were found, and officers visited 894 cuckooed addresses, which are households usually of vulnerable people used to store drugs.
Weapons uncovered also included 12 zombie knives, 22 machetes, eight samurai swords and four crossbows.
Some 1,468 people were arrested, and 2,664 vulnerable people - mostly children - were engaged for safeguarding by police.
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."
He praised the work of the Children's Society charity, which has helped officers to identify children involved in the crimes as well as spotting vulnerable people who could be engaged in county lines to contact police.
The NPCC said the number of county lines operating in England and Wales has declined from 2000 in 2018 to around 600 active lines currently, thanks to the work of forces in major exporting areas including Merseyside, West Midlands and London.
How to spot signs of County Lines in children:
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.