Arrests made in fight to protect children from criminal exploitation

Earlier this month, officers searched nine separate addresses in co-ordinated warrants in the town.

The activity, led by our child exploitation team, is part of an investigation into adults we suspect of being involved in child criminal exploitation (CCE) linked to organised crime and county lines drug dealing.

After forcing entry to the addresses, officers seized suspected heroin, MDMA, cocaine and cannabis, more than £10,000 in cash and several weapons, including seven samurai swords, and other items linked to drug supply.

As a result, people were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A and class B drugs, human trafficking and forced servitude (both modern day slavery offences).

A 49-year-old man was charged with possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A – MDMA, acquire/use/possess criminal property and possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class B – cannabis. He is due to appear at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court in due course.

Nine other people, men and women aged between 17 and 55, were released on bail as our investigation continues.

County lines is a form of criminal exploitation where gangs persuade, coerce or force vulnerable people, including children, to distribute drugs.

There are also other forms of exploitation. You may have seen our child exploitation campaign #KnowTheSigns which focuses on child sexual exploitation (CSE) – a crime where young people may be tricking into believing they’re in a consensual relationship and might be given gifts in exchange for sexual activity.

Your information could be the missing piece of this puzzle. Speak up, it could help a child escape exploitation.