Last month Thames Valley Police took part in a national week of action as the force continues its commitment to combat county lines drug dealing.
The work was part of a national week of action led by the National Crime Agency which focused on disrupting those who look to exploit communities by carrying out this sort of offence.
A number of warrants took place across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire as part of this week of action, 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 the name given to drug dealing 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 exploits children and vulnerable people who may have addiction or mental health issues.
Victims are often exploited by OCGs who use intimidation and violence in order to supply drugs to others.
A number of activities have taken place across the force in order to safeguard vulnerable people and to bring to justice those responsible for county lines drugs dealing.
Alongside enforcement activity, this has included visiting previous victims of cuckooing, and working with partner agencies such as local authorities.
Thames Valley officers have worked with schools in order to warn and inform pupils and teachers of the dangers of drugs and drug supply, and how criminal groups can look to exploit children.
During this week, the force launched a unique lesson plan package to Thames Valley schools providing them with activities and resources to teach secondary school children about the dangers of child drug exploitation.
The schools package uses a video of Dee, an ex-offender who was involved in child drug exploitation, talking about his experiences and the realities and impacts of these crimes.
There have also been knife arches at railway stations, along with dogs and high visibility patrols.
Additionally, during this week of action, Thames Valley Police has:
- Executed 20 warrants across the Force
- Arrested 91 people
- Seized about 573g of crack, heroin and cocaine
- Seized 27 weapons and 91 mobile phones
- Seized more than £50,000 in cash associated with drug dealing
- Visited 38 schools to engage with pupils
- Engaged with 72 vulnerable people
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.
Matthew Barber, Deputy Police & Crime Commissioner said: "Focussed weeks of action like this can make a real impact in tackling these organised crime gangs, but the work by Thames Valley Police to tackle county lines gangs goes on every single day."
It is important that the public helps the police in the fight against serious organised crime by reporting drug dealing or anything else which is of concern to them. If you are worried that someone you know is being exploited by drug dealers, please report it. Thames Valley Police can then take the necessary steps to safeguard them and identify those responsible.
You can make a report by calling us on 101, or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Click here to see a video of some of the Force's enforcement activity.
