Thames Valley Police has taken part in a week of action as the force continues its commitment to combat county lines drug dealing.
A number of warrants took place across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire, co-ordinated by Thames Valley Police's Drugs Focus Taskforce.
The work was part of a national week of action carried out by the National Crime Agency which focused on disrupting those who look to exploit communities by carrying out this sort of offence.
County lines drug dealing is the name given to drug dealing where organised crime groups (OCGs) use phone lines to move and supply drugs, usually from cities into smaller towns and rural areas.
This type of offending exploits children and vulnerable people who may have addiction or mental health issues.
There have also been knife arches at railway stations, along with dogs and high visibility patrols.
During the week, officers:
- Executed 52 warrants across the Force
- Arrested 56 adults
- Seized 3,586 wraps of crack, heroin and cocaine
- Seized 118 mobile phones and 22 weapons
- Seized over £79,000 in cash associated with drug dealing
- Visited 24 schools to engage with pupils
- Engaged with 22 vulnerable people
A significant amount of intelligence has also been gathered which will help to inform the force’s continued work to combat county drugs lines in our communities.
Detective Inspector Simon Hannam of Thames Valley Police’s Drugs Focus Taskforce said: “This week of action has been really positive in terms of making arrests, protecting vulnerable people and seizing drugs and cash associated with drug dealing.
“We have worked closely with partners including local authorities, schools and charities, and have been able to educate people as to the dangers of drugs exploitation, and we have also gathered really useful intelligence which will help us continue to tackle county lines offenders going forward.
“Combatting county lines is something that Thames Valley Police focuses on every day, but this intensification week demonstrates to the public our dedication to fight this type of offence.
“It should also serve as a message to offenders. We will not tolerate those who attempt to exploit our communities, and to bring to drugs into them.
“We know who you are, we will arrest you, stop your supply and seize your drugs and cash.
“It is important that the public helps us in our fight against serious organised crime by reporting drug dealing or anything else which is of concern to them. If you are worried that someone you know is being exploited by drug dealers, please report it. We can then take the necessary steps to safeguard them and identify those responsible.
“You can make a report by calling us on 101, or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
