Crackdown on County Lines Nets 46 Arrests and Huge Drug Haul in Lancashire
Last week, Lancashire police smashed a major County Lines operation during an intensive week of action. Officers safeguarded 160 vulnerable people, hit up schools with eye-opening education talks, and targeted hotspots like bus and train stations to raise awareness and hand out leaflets.
What is County Lines?
County Lines is the sinister practice of moving illegal drugs from city to countryside, often using children or vulnerable adults forced into the dangerous drug trade by ruthless gangs.
Staggering Takedown
In just one week:
- 34 men, 9 women, and 3 minors were arrested
- Class A and B drugs worth thousands of pounds were seized
- Cash, 20 mobile phones, and an arsenal of weapons were taken off the streets — including 4 machetes, 6 knives, a hunting knife, and a knuckleduster
Police Speak Out
“We are working harder than ever to crack down on County Lines criminals who bring drug dealing and violence into our communities,” said Becky Smith, Lancashire Constabulary’s Force lead for County Lines. “County Lines gangs exploit children and vulnerable people to move drugs and cash using dedicated phone lines. This week’s results show the continuous effort we put in daily to disrupt organised crime. Along with partners in Children’s Services, Health and Education, we’re raising awareness in schools and safeguarding those at risk. “Our goal is to make Lancashire a nightmare for these criminals. We’ll keep working alongside other forces to shut down drug lines, protect the vulnerable, and clear our streets of exploiters.”
Spot the Signs and Report Suspicious Activity
During school visits, officers warned about gang exploitation. Warning signs include:
- Children frequently going missing and returning home
- Sudden possession of expensive clothes, phones, or cash
- Receiving lots of texts or calls
- Disengagement from school or family
If you suspect someone is caught up in County Lines or drug activity, don’t hesitate to report it:
- Call Lancashire police on 101
- Report anonymously to Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org
- For emergencies, always dial 999
