More than £215k in drugs seized and 25 arrested as county lines targeted

More than £215,000-worth of drugs and 25 people have been arrested in a week after officers targeted county lines drugs operations.

Officers working across the region took part in a week of intensification from Monday 7 to Friday 11 March.

This saw them compile intelligence to conduct covert operations aimed at disrupting drugs supply in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, as well as identifying and protecting vulnerable victims.

During the week, a total of £214,000 worth of crack and heroin was seized along with £1,120 of cocaine and 2,040 cannabis plants.

A total of 13 vulnerable people were also safeguarded as a result of the activity which saw officers visit 18 addresses of potential victims of cuckooing.

Two drug lines were also closed, while a firearm, a machete, a Rolex watch and over £7.6k in cash were all seized.

Since then, three people have been charged over drug offences ahead of court appearances at a later date.

In addition to operational efforts, officers also worked with charity The Voice of Hope to deliver educational briefings to more than 1,000 children in schools across the region – including separate engagement events held within neighbourhood policing teams.

Chief Inspector Robert Taylor, Violent Reduction and Offender Management lead, said: “Although we proactively target county lines activity throughout the year, this intensification week provided a greater resource disposal for officers and allowed us to make three important charges.

“Despite this period coming to an end, we would like to assure the public that we are continuing to disrupt county lines criminality and are committed to supporting young and vulnerable people who may be involved in, or at risk of exploitation, at the hands of organised crime groups.”

To find out more about what we’re doing to tackle county lines, visit: County lines | Staffordshire Police.

To report suspicious activity or criminality in your area, visit: Your area | Staffordshire Police.