Police Make 20 Arrests And Seize Drugs In Latest County Lines Crackdown

Police in Cumbria made 20 arrests and executed 12 search warrants in a week-long intensification of work to tackle county lines drugs crime.

Substances suspected to be cocaine, ketamine, cannabis and MDMA were seized, along with weapons - and more than £15,000 in cash.

Arrests were also made for offences not directly linked to county lines as officers proactively targeting this drugs threat detected other offences along the way.

As well as this, police in the community carried out work to gather intelligence and stop people getting mixed up in this underworld in the first place.

County lines is a term used to describe gangs and organised networks involved in exporting drugs into other areas, using dedicated mobile phone lines.

The intensification week aims to target offenders, safeguard victims and protect children and vulnerable adults.

Results included:

     * The seizure of cocaine, more than £3,300 cash and a significant quantity of counterfeit cigarettes from a property at Burton in Kendal. Two arrests were made.

     * Two arrests and the seizure of cocaine and cash from a property in

Penrith.

     * The seizure of suspected cannabis, two air pistols and a pitbull in

Barrow. A man was arrested.

     * An arrest of a man, along with seizure of suspected cannabis, cocaine,

ketamine and cash from a property in Carlisle.

Other seizures included quantities of suspected illicit medication, a crossbow, a stun gun, three vehicles and 26 phones.

Cocaine worth a total of £75,000 was seized during the week.

Detective Inspector Sam Johnson said: “Tackling county lines drugs crime remains a year-long priority for Cumbria Police.

“Our officers are investigating and aiming to disrupt, deter and detain people involved in this offending every day.

“Intensification periods such as this help provide an additional focus

and shine a spotlight on the issue – sending a clear message to those intent on causing harm in the process.

“The extra focus on criminal groups running county lines during this week aims to create maximum disruption for offenders and organised crime

groups.”

PREVENTION WORK

It is not all about catching or deterring criminals. Prevention work includes raising awareness and educating people about the risks involved in county lines and the signs it is happening.

The county’s 1CLIC initiative is a partnership, funded by the Office of the Police Fire and Crime Commissioner, between Cumbria Constabulary and The Well Communities, a recovery organisation that supports those recovering from addiction.

1CLIC provides a preventative approach to support and divert those at risk of being exploited and involved in the supply of illicit drugs.

It works closely with several partner agency to support this work. This initiative provides help to those most in need, showing them support is available to turn away from drugs.

Det Insp Johnson added: “At the heart of the county lines model is the exploitation of vulnerable people – and sometimes children.

“That is why as well as relentlessly pursuing those involved, we also have a prevention-first approach to stopping this type of offending in the first place.

“Our officers and staff work to stop people being drawn in to protect them and safeguard them from harm.”

Work carried out during the week by the 1CLIC team included:

     * Visits to holiday parks across north and west Cumbria to provide

general information about county lines – as criminal groups may use

holiday parks as a base.

     * Safeguarding being provided to 13 people following concerns about their

welfare.

     * Four visits to properties suspected of being used for cuckooing –

where criminals use or takes over a person's home for criminal purposes.

     * Dozens of school pupils being given county lines presentations.

     * Visits to taxi companies to raise awareness of the issue.

Det Insp Johnson said: “Our 1CLIC team work tirelessly year-round to prevent county lines offending in our communities and to target those vulnerable to county lines exploitation.

“1CLIC offers education and training to partners, education establishments and community groups to raise awareness of how to spot the signs."

Det Insp Johnson added: “Our communities are always crucial in helping us tackle crime in their neighbourhoods and streets – so we continue to urge anyone with any information to come forward.”

Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “Cumbria has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to drugs in our county.

“Drugs can have devastating effects on a community, and we will not stand for it here in Cumbria.

“I am pleased to see Cumbria Constabulary continue to tackle drugs and send out the clear message that there is no place for drug dealers in this county and if you are caught, you will face all the consequences of your actions.

“I’d urge the public to continue to report any illegal or suspicious activity to the police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. Every report helps build evidence to keep our communities safer so let’s work together to protect Cumbria.”

_WHAT ARE THE SIGNS SOMEONE – INCLUDING A YOUNG PERSON OR CHILD - HAS

BECOME MIXED UP IN COUNTY LINES?_

These could include:

     * Travelling alone, frequently, particularly in school hours or late at

night.

     * Looking lost or in unfamiliar surroundings.

     * Appearing anxious, frightened, angry or displaying other behaviour that

makes you worried about them.

     * Being in possession of more than one phone.

     * Carrying lots of cash.

     * Unexplained new items – including expensive trainers, mobile phones,

jewellery or clothes.

     * Periods of going missing.

DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION THAT CAN HELP Cumbria Police?

ANYONE WITH INFORMATION CAN REPORT ONLINE AT

WWW.CUMBRIA.POLICE.UK/REPORT-IT [3]

YOU CAN ALSO PHONE ON 101.

ALTERNATIVELY, YOU CAN CONTACT CRIMESTOPPERS ANONYMOUSLY ON 0800 555 111.