Thames Valley Police has arrested 98 people during a national week of action as the force continues its commitment to combat county lines drug dealing and exploitation.
The County Lines Intensification Week, coordinated by the NPCC-led National County Lines Coordination Centre (NCLCC), from 9 to 15 October focused on disrupting those who look to exploit communities by carrying out drug offences and exploiting the vulnerable.
A number of warrants took place across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire, which contributed to the force’s ongoing Stronghold campaign, to work in partnership to tackle serious organised crime and exploitation.
County lines drug dealing is 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 often exploits children and vulnerable people who may have addiction or mental health issues.
Victims are often exploited by OCGs who groom, coerce and often will use intimidation and violence in order to supply drugs to others.
During this week of action Thames Valley Police has:
- Arrested 98 people
- Charged more than 40 people
- Safeguarded 30 people
- Visited 40 addresses that have been taken over by a county line
- Seized over 1,200 wraps of cocaine, heroin and crack cocaine
- Seized at least 1,100 cannabis plants
- A number of weapons seized including a baseball bat, machetes and an array of hunting, flick, Rambo and kitchen knives meaning numerous weapons have been taken off of our streets.
- Seized approximately £67,000 in cash
- Seized approximately 121 mobile phones
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.
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