Newark: County Lines drugs smashed across the East Midlands with 95 arrests and 50 vulnerable people identified

Ninety five people have been arrested and more than 50 vulnerable people identified during a week of action against County Lines drugs gangs operating in the East Midlands.

From Monday, May 17, the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) and the five regional police forces of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire took part in the nationally coordinated intensification.

Across the region search warrants were executed and the intelligence picture further developed on the County Lines threat in the East Midlands. In total, 95 people were arrested and more than £120,000 in cash and nearly £35,000-worth of Class A and B drugs were seized, as well as two handguns, more than 55 bladed weapons and 30 mobile phones.

Five vehicles, designer clothes and high-value jewellery was also seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).

Along with enforcement activity, transport hubs - including taxi and private hire companies – and hotels were engaged, and training inputs delivered to schools and other partners in a concerted awareness-raising campaign.

County Lines is a form of drug dealing in which organised criminal gangs export illegal drugs, usually out of larger towns and cities, and import them into local areas across the country through use of violence and intimidation. They do this by exploiting young people and using them to move and store drugs.

On a national scale, the week of activity, coordinated by the National County Lines Coordination Centre (NCLCC) which is jointly led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and the National Crime Agency (NCA), saw 1,100 arrests made, 1,138 vulnerable people engaged with and 904 cuckooed addresses visited.

More than 220 weapons were seized, including 27 firearms and 170 knives.

EMSOU’s regional vulnerabilities coordinator Stuart Jones said: “These weeks of action offer a snapshot into the work we do around the clock, all year long, with our partners to protect vulnerable people - in particular children - against the harmful influence of County Lines gangs.

“Along with the operational focus, the week saw us, once again, run the #LookCloser campaign."

Launched in the East Midlands in 2020 as a joint venture between EMSOU, The Children’s Society and BTP and has since been rolled out nationally, the campaign aims to raise awareness of the signs that a young person is being exploited, as well as urge the public, and key partners and business, to look closer at the young people in their lives. Protecting children is a job for everyone.”

Could there be a child you know or see who is being exploited by drug dealers? They can be children you know, who are showing signs of changed routines and behaviour; they can be young people you see as you travel on the trains, buses or in taxis.

The East Midlands Special Operations Unit was established in 2001 as a small team providing covert resources to the region’s five

forces. It has since grown into a collaborative unit bringing together specialist officers and staff from Derbyshire Constabulary,

Leicestershire Police, Lincolnshire Police, Northamptonshire Police and Nottinghamshire Police to tackle the most serious and

organised criminals who commit major and complex crime against our communities. Follow us on Twitter @EMSpecialOps

Places like train stations, parks, shopping centres, banks and taxis, may all be used in the grooming and exploitation of children. The Internet is also a public space.

Be vigilant for signs of exploitation through gaming and social media, as there have been increased reports of online grooming during lockdown.

#LookCloser and call 101 to report your concerns. On the trains text British Transport Police on 61016. Otherwise, phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

You can also contact www.fearless.org who allow you to pass on information about crime anonymously. In an emergency, always dial 999.