Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire Police work together to shut down County Lines drugs operation
The police recovered more than £20,000 of Class A and B drugs, £22,000 in cash and 28 weapons after shutting down a County Lines operation.
Nottinghamshire Police worked together with Lincolnshire Police on an operation to disrupt drug dealers and protect vulnerable people they coerce into criminal activity.
During the operation 69 vulnerable people were safeguarded.
Officers from County Lines and Modern Slavery teams led by Detective Sergeant Nicki Roddies-Ferrari, executed two warrants on Sunday October 23 at the Shuttleworth House flat complex in Lincoln.
Three people were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.
Detective Inspector Nikki Smith, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was a great joined up team effort across two force areas with an excellent outcome.
“The exploitation of minors on County Lines and of those at risk of child criminal exploitation is of huge concern and we will take all steps necessary to safeguard those who are forced or coerced to work in this criminality.
“By taking positive enforcement action we intend to not only safeguard those at risk but disrupt the criminal activity and bring those to justice who seek to exploit some of the most vulnerable in our society.”
County Lines is a term used to describe urban gangs supplying drugs to other parts of the UK using dedicated mobile phone lines.
The gangs are likely to cause children and vulnerable adults to move and store drugs, violence and coercion is often used to coerce people to deal the drugs.
Between October 3 and October 7, Nottinghamshire Police officers aimed to raise awareness of County Lines.
They distributed Look Closer leaflets at shopping centres, basic training to shop floor staff on identifying potential County Lines offenders and victims.
Leaflets were also distributed at rail and bus stations, custody suites, hospitals and taxi firms.
Detective Inspector Smith added: “As part of County Lines Intensification Week, we always look to work with partners like the British Transport Police to tackle this head on.
"During these regular operations, we not only seek to make arrests and recover drugs, but also look to identify and safeguard vulnerable young people who are potentially victims of criminal exploitation."
“If you feel like there’s something suspicious about an individual, or you’re concerned that a young person is travelling on their own, please contact British Transport Police.
