Operation targeting ‘county lines’ drug networks results in 26 arrests

Law enforcement officials apprehended 26 individuals and confiscated illicit drugs valued at over £200,000 during a week-long initiative focused on disrupting criminal organizations transporting narcotics into the South West region. This effort involved collaboration between Devon and Cornwall Police, the British Transport Police, and additional law enforcement agencies, forming part of County Lines Intensification Week, which concluded on December 1. The National Police Chiefs’ Council defines “county lines” as a designation for gangs and structured criminal groups engaged in the distribution of illegal narcotics to various locations across the UK, typically employing specific mobile phone lines for their operations. Sgt Tamzin Richards of Devon and Cornwall Police stated that “county lines” criminal organizations exploit susceptible individuals. She further indicated that the railway system was a primary area of concentration, with the police aiming to convey a clear message that it “is not an easy route for delivering drugs into our area”. Railway stations, specifically Torquay, Exeter, and Plymouth, were subject to surveillance by both plain-clothes and uniformed personnel, supported by drug detection canines. On Sunday, a police dog identified potential suspects at Torquay Station, resulting in two individuals being taken into custody. Authorities reported that one person was apprehended on suspicion of drug supply, while the other was arrested for possessing a lock knife. Beyond dismantling these criminal groups, the initiative also sought to protect children and young individuals who are frequently exploited and coerced into acting as couriers by these gangs. The police force confirmed that multiple warrants were executed and welfare checks were conducted at properties where criminal organizations might compel vulnerable individuals to facilitate illicit operations, a practice termed “cuckooing.” Officials reported visiting 28 addresses suspected of “cuckooing,” with 16 of these locations identified as receiving drug parcels. Approximately £11,000 in currency was also confiscated, according to the force. Sgt Richards commented: “What we find with county lines drugs dealers is they will utilise vulnerable people. “They will befriend them, get access to their addresses and take over that address, and start running drugs operations from it.” She added that “children are an easy target” and “they often can go unnoticed by the police”. “Especially if they have never been in trouble with the police before,” Sgt Richards further stated. She concluded: “And if they are vulnerable to exploitation due to circumstances in their lives, it can be really easy for these drugs gangs to target them, shower them with gifts and attention and encourage them to work for them.”