301 Suspects Arrested and 260 Vulnerable People Safeguarded in One Week
The Metropolitan Police have shut down more than 100 county lines in a major week-long crackdown targeting organised crime gangs across the UK.
Between Monday, 23 June and Sunday, 29 June, Met officers arrested 301 individuals believed to be linked to county lines drug networks. So far, 111 of those arrested have been charged. The operation also saw the safeguarding of 260 vulnerable or young people, with officers carrying out crucial interventions to prevent them from being drawn into future criminality.
County lines drug dealing involves organised criminal groups using mobile phones to distribute drugs, often from cities into smaller towns and rural areas. The business model is known not only for its violence, but for its exploitation of vulnerable people—particularly children, individuals with addiction problems, and those suffering from mental health issues. These individuals are often coerced into transporting drugs or forced to allow their homes to be used as bases for drug dealing in a practice known as ‘cuckooing’.
Detective Superintendent Dan Mitchell, of the Metropolitan Police and National County Lines Coordination Centre, said:
“The Commissioner recently spoke about the indisputable link between county lines and violence. Disrupting county lines is not only vital in keeping society’s most vulnerable safe, but also as a key part of our mission in tackling violence.
“The criminals behind these networks are dangerous individuals, capable of manipulating and exploiting anyone to achieve their aims. Dedicated Met officers continue to work closely with other police forces around the UK to ensure dangerous offenders are stopped.”
As part of the operation, officers also seized a large haul of criminal assets and weapons, including:
- 12 firearms
- 78 dangerous weapons (including samurai swords and zombie knives)
- Nearly 70kg of class A drugs (such as crack cocaine and heroin)
- Over £600,000 in cash
One notable incident took place on Thursday, 26 June, when a county line between London and Hampshire was disrupted. Four male suspects were arrested at properties in London and Portsmouth. At a property on the Isle of Dogs, officers found several class A and B drugs, more than £5,000 in cash, high-value sports cars, and designer watches.
Two additional suspects were arrested in Portsmouth, and a further arrest was made at London Gatwick Airport. All four individuals have since been charged in connection with the investigation.
The Met says this operation is part of a wider national effort to tackle serious and organised crime, with police forces across the country continuing to work together to target the networks responsible.
