County Lines Crackdown: Drugs, Arrests, and Safeguarding Across the South West

Police forces across the South West tackle exploitation and drug crime in week-long operation.

A Regional Effort to Disrupt County Lines

Devon and Cornwall Police joined forces with regional partners last week (25th November – 1st December 2024) as part of a national crackdown on County Lines activity. County Lines refers to drug operations where mobile phones are used to distribute drugs from cities to rural areas, often exploiting children and vulnerable adults as drug runners.

This intensive week of action coincided with the latest phase of Operation Scorpion, a collaboration involving Wiltshire Police, Avon and Somerset Police, Dorset Police, Gloucestershire Constabulary, British Transport Police, the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU), and local Police and Crime Commissioners.

The operation aimed to disrupt criminal networks, safeguard exploited individuals, and raise awareness about spotting signs of child exploitation.

Assistant Chief Constable Jim Pearce highlighted the importance of public intelligence, stating:

“The intelligence we receive from the public is vital in our efforts to weed out criminality and to safeguard the vulnerable… Recognising the signs of child criminal exploitation is key to stopping this. Please take some time to familiarise yourself with the signs of child criminal exploitation, and if you see it, please report it to us either directly or anonymously through Crimestoppers.”

More information about recognising the signs of child exploitation is available through Devon & Cornwall Police and The Children’s Society’s #LookCloser campaign.

Key Outcomes from the Week of Action

Across Devon and Cornwall, the week-long effort produced significant results, including:

• 26 arrests
• £11,000 in cash seized
• Drugs worth an estimated street value of over £215,000, including cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and crack cocaine.
• 28 properties visited for “cuckooing” checks to protect vulnerable residents exploited by drug dealers.
• Safeguarding visits to 30 adults and 19 youths identified as vulnerable to exploitation.
• Seizure of an imitation firearm, two knives, and an extendable baton.

Tackling Exploitation at Torquay Railway Station

At Torquay Railway Station, a joint operation led by British Transport Police saw 12 stop-and-searches, resulting in two arrests. Officers, supported by police dog Polly, seized a locking-blade knife and a small quantity of cannabis.

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez praised the collaborative efforts, stating:

“The way organised crime gangs ruthlessly exploit young people is horrific and I am very proud of our collaborative efforts here in Devon and Cornwall and the wider south west… to protect vulnerable people and to prosecute those who prey upon them for their own selfish gain.”

National Impact of County Lines Intensification Week

Across the country, 1,660 arrests were made, and 1,400 vulnerable individuals were safeguarded, including 107 in the South West. Police forces closed 261 County Lines, seized £1.98 million in cash, and removed 557 weapons from the streets.

The full regional results from Operation Scorpion can be found here, while the national outcomes are detailed in the NPCC release.

Recognising the Signs of Exploitation

The public is encouraged to remain vigilant. Resources such as The Children’s Society’s #LookCloser campaign offer guidance on identifying and reporting signs of child exploitation. Reports can be made directly to police at www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/contact, by calling 101 (or 999 in an emergency), or anonymously via Crimestoppers.

Through collaborative efforts and public awareness, Devon and Cornwall Police aim to make the South West a safer, drug-free environment for everyone.