In a concerted effort to combat County Lines crime, West Yorkshire Police have apprehended 42 individuals and confiscated Class A narcotics valued at a staggering £620,000.
Throughout the nationally-led County Lines Intensification Week, officers from the five districts of West Yorkshire Police collaborated to target the pernicious and organised criminal activities that frequently transcend geographical and administrative boundaries.
The crackdown resulted in the seizure of Class A substances, including cocaine, heroin, and crack cocaine, with an estimated street value of £620,490. Additionally, over £8,000 in suspected criminal proceeds was confiscated during the operation, which unfolded earlier this month.
Furthermore, law enforcement officers safeguarded eight males and three females, whilst also visiting two properties where occupants were suspected victims of cuckooing—a practice where drug dealers exploit vulnerable individuals by taking over their homes for criminal activities.
Weapons seized during the operation included 32 knives and one machete, alongside the confiscation of two mobile phones utilized as County Lines deal lines.
Of the 42 apprehended individuals, six were female, 39 were adults, and three were minors. The seized drugs comprised over 15 kilograms of cocaine, 28 grams of heroin, and 20 grams of crack cocaine. Additionally, law enforcement confiscated mobile phones, ketamine, MDMA, nearly 11 kilograms of packaged cannabis, and over 1,900 cannabis plants.
In addition to disrupting County Lines activities, officers and staff engaged in educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the signs of County Lines exploitation. Collaboration with partner agencies, including local councils and the British Transport Police, was also integral to the operation’s success.
Various activities were undertaken during the week-long initiative, which ran from March 4 to 10, including high-visibility patrols, community engagement, school outreach programs, safeguarding visits to known victims, and training sessions for Police Cadets on County Lines, exploitation, and gang-related issues.
Detective Chief Inspector Lee Townley of West Yorkshire Police’s Programme Precision, which is dedicated to tackling serious and organised crime in West Yorkshire, said:
“County Lines drug dealing has a detrimental effect on communities across the country including here in West Yorkshire and involves criminals placing vulnerable young people at risk of exploitation and harm.
“That’s why it’s important that we take action like we have to both disrupt and deter county lines activity.
“Not only are we arresting those responsible and seizing their illicit goods but we’re also engaging with and educating people to look out for the signs of county lines.
“The message is clear that this kind of activity will not be tolerated in West Yorkshire.”
To report concerns about crime in your community call West Yorkshire Police on 101 or go online at https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat
Or you can call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
