151 arrests made and drugs seized in North East crackdown

Northumbria Police undertook a national week of action alongside partner organisations to tackle County Lines crime, with the operation beginning on March 4.

A total of 151 arrests were made, with a further 78 individuals successfully safeguarded. Officers recovered quantities of cannabis, crack cocaine, heroin, and various Class C substances during the operation.

Weapons including knives, swords, imitation firearms and a crutch gun were seized, along with £52,447 in cash – while more than 2,000 illegal cigarettes, 50 mobile phones, and seven vehicles were also uncovered.

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Liddell said: “This is a fantastic set of results from a week of action which reaffirms our commitment to eradicating this kind of criminality.

“Some of the most vulnerable people in our communities are targeted in this practice, and it has no place in our Force area.

“This latest intensification period is an extension of the work that is ongoing on a daily basis to shut down supply chains and to bring down the criminal groups seeking to get rich through the abuse and exploitation of others.

“We will not stop in our efforts to safeguard anyone who has already been affected by this type of criminality, and offenders should be under no illusion that we will root out your operation and bring you to justice.”

The term ‘County Lines’ describes organised criminal networks and gangs who use dedicated phones or ‘deal’ lines to import and export illegal drugs into a variety of areas.

Teams also carried out school visits to educate children about this type of crime and how they can avoid being exploited.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “The practice often exploits children and vulnerable adults through coercion, intimidation, and violence in order to store drugs and money, with bulk text or social media messages used to arrange deals with potential customers.

“As part of the intensification period, officers executed a series of warrants across the Force area, along with targeted partnership activity in schools and across the wider community.”

The Force’s knife arch was in operation at a number of Metro stations, with neighbourhood officers joined by our partners British Transport Police and operator Nexus.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “The fight is on against those who prey on our region’s young and vulnerable and coerce or force them into their dangerous world of drug dealing and violence.

“The criminals at the top of the chain lure others into doing their dirty work; they’ll do anything so they are less likely to be caught. As this work shows though, they are being caught.

“Our officers are on the case, not just this week but every week. From drug busting raids to safeguarding and supporting those in desperate need of escaping from the clutches of criminals - a lot of work is happening to fight this crime and improve lives for individuals, their families and entire communities. The relentless pursuit of these criminal gangs and those running them won’t stop.”

NEROCU Regional County Lines Co-Ordinator Ian Randell, said: “The public are now fully aware of the efforts ongoing year-round to tackle this type of organised drug crime. We are resilient and robust in our approach and intensification weeks like this are just one tactic at our disposal.

“This period has delivered more great results, and that is thanks to dedicated teams building intelligence, shutting down deal lines, arresting suspects and protecting those being exploited – and their work doesn’t end here.

“Educating young and vulnerable people on the dangers of county lines and the exploitation that comes with it is also a crucial part of our work and it was great to see the large number of vulnerable people safeguarded as part of this week of action.

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“Under the banner of Operation Sentinel, our dedicated regional initiative to tackling serious and organised crime, we will continue to work with partners and pursue offenders, shut down their lines, and work with young people and those who have been impacted by this abhorrent crime.”

Anyone who suspects that something not quite right is happening in their community should contact Northumbria Police via the ‘Report’ page of our website or call 101. In an emergency, or where a crime is taking place, always dial 999.

Alternatively, members of the public can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or go to https://crimestoppers-uk.org/