DRUG dealers plying their trade in Worcestershire have been forced out of business as police seized deadly weapons and took nearly half a million pounds worth of drugs off the streets.
Doors were smashed in and cars stopped last week as West Mercia Police took part in the national 'County Lines Intensification Week' as officers carried out 49 arrests.
Officers also carried out 100 ‘cuckooing’ visits with 27 people safeguarded from criminals exploiting them.
More than £450,000 of drugs, three vehicles, 31 weapons including a pistol and samurai swords, 44 phones and more than £3,400 in criminal cash were seized. Two county lines operations were shut down.
In Worcestershire alone over £200,000 of drugs were seized including more than 1kg of cocaine as well as quantities of cannabis, heroin and crack. Across Worcestershire, 27 drug-related arrests were carried out.
Three simultaneous drug warrants were executed by officers from Worcester Police Station, supported by colleagues from West Midlands Police, in Birmingham as part of an investigation into a drug line moving drugs from Birmingham into Evesham.
Three suspects were arrested, the drug line phone was recovered and an ounce of crack cocaine was seized. A firearm with three rounds of ammunition and a knife were also seized.
All three have now been bailed. 72 schools, community groups and sports clubs were also visited to raise awareness of county lines and how to spot the signs someone may be involved.
Vulnerable adults, such as those dependent on drug use, are also targeted with county line drug dealers often taking over their home, a practice known as 'cuckooing'.
Detective Chief Inspector Ian Wall said: “We will work tirelessly to make sure our communities are unwelcoming for criminals travelling across our policing borders.
"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.
“County lines will never have a place in the counties covered by West Mercia Police. Anyone thinking about becoming involved in drug dealing, let these results be a stark warning. We will find you and bring you to justice.”
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Police and crime commissioner John Campion said: “I will continue to invest in West Mercia Police with the resources and tools it needs to continue to succeed in its operations and bring criminals to justice.”
Anyone with suspicions that a property is being used to sell drugs, or that a young and vulnerable individual may be getting involved with county lines drug dealing can report this via our website here, or information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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