HEROIN, crack cocaine and drug money were seized in two separate raids in Worcester in the same week.

West Mercia Police confirmed that between October 3 and October 9, co-ordinated national action targeting county lines drug dealing saw 38 people arrested across the West Mercia area

‘County Lines’ is the name given to the process and operation of drugs transported from predominately larger urban areas to smaller towns, often in rural areas, with the ‘line’ referring to the mobile number used to order the drugs.

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The competition between rival gangs also sees innocent people caught up in the challenge for control of drug dealing.

A stop search of a vehicle highlighted as potentially being involved in the supply of class A controlled substances was performed in the Worcester area.

Three occupants were detained and arrested on suspension of drug supply offences, where one person was charged and two were released under investigation.

50 wraps believed to be heroin and 50 wraps believed to be crack cocaine, including cash and phones, were seized following a search of the vehicle.

​The second incident saw a man attend an address in Worcester whilst an S23 misuse of drugs act warrant was being executed and subsequently made off in a vehicle. 

The man was found hiding in a bush, in possession of approximately £700 cash and £360 worth of crack cocaine and was arrested.

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The property search revealed numerous drug-related items including £9,040 in cash, mobile phones and what is believed to be a large quantity of cocaine. 

The man was released under investigation.

Across the region, drugs with an estimated street value of more than £7,000 were seized, weapons such as knives, machetes and batons were seized and vehicles were seized as well.

36 mobile phones and more than £15,000 was also recovered by officers during the week of intelligence-led intensified activity.

County lines drug dealers often exploit children and young people, recruiting them to run drugs and cash between urban and county locations and to deal drugs on their behalf. 

Anyone with suspicions that a property is being used to sell drugs, or that a young and vulnerable individual may be getting involved, use the 'Tell Us About' section on www.westmercia.police.uk or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.