County Line crackdown as West Mercia seize drugs and weapons

West Mercia Police seized £90,210 worth of drugs and arrested 15 people across south Worcestershire as part of their National Crime Agency’s County Lines Intensification Week.

On top of the arrests and drugs, police seized £1,810 cash, four weapons, ten phones and one vehicle which was also collected in South Worcestershire.

County Lines drug dealers often exploit children and young and vulnerable people to run drugs and cash between urban and county locations and to deal drugs on their behalf.

Officers and staff from across the force carried out the week-long crackdown which ended on Sunday (March 5), 

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Different types of drugs seized (Image: West Mercia Police)

Once recruited into County Lines it can be difficult for those being exploited to leave, with fear and threats of violence used to keep them in place.

Around four safeguarding referrals were made during this week and 31 cuckooing visits to properties where vulnerable adults live and are at risk of being exploited by dealers.

The week-long crackdown took place across West Mercia's force area and altogether found £287,000 worth of drugs and a total 60 arrests.

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Detective chief inspector Oliver Ewels said: “Serious and organised crime and county lines drug dealing remains a priority for West Mercia Police.

"We will work tirelessly to make sure our communities are unwelcoming for criminals travelling across our policing borders.

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Guns were amongst the weapons collected (Image: West Mercia Police)

"We will continue to prioritise the pursuit and prosecution of those who bring drugs into our counties, commit violence, and exploit vulnerable members of our communities.

"But education and early intervention is just as important in preventing exploitation and protecting our communities from county lines drug dealers and gangs.

"During County Lines Intensification Week officers and staff across the force visited schools, social care providers, health professionals and community venues to raise awareness of the county lines model and to highlight the signs that someone may be involved, or at risk of being exploited by drug dealers and gangs.　

“It is vital to remember that operations such as these during this national week of intensification are very much ‘business as usual’ for all of our staff and highlight the great and often dangerous work they do throughout the year."