Dramatic body-cam footage shows moment West Midlands Police found £28,000 worth of drugs in a washing machine

Dramatic body-cam footage shows police smashing their way into a drugs den before finding £28,000 worth of crack cocaine and heroin stashed in a washing machine.

Officers raided the property in Smethwick, during a week-long blitz on County Lines networks last week.

Body worn cameras captures an officer with a battering ram first smashing down the front door before searching the premises for Class A drugs.

One cop can be heard saying "of f***ing yes" as they stumble across blocks of crack and heroin hidden away inside a washing machine in a front room.

Further footage shows another address being raided in Tipton, where heroin was found stashed in an ice-cream container last Friday (March 3).

A 63-year-old man was arrested after officers recovered Class- A drugs valued at £20,000 from the property.

Other addresses across the West Midlands were also targeted as part of the crackdown and in total 109 people were arrested.

A staggering £1 million worth of drugs were also seized as well as £20,000 in cash and a number of weapons including a taser and a crossbow.

West Midlands Police said they also carried out work aimed at protecting children from exploitation and to raise awareness of tactics used by drugs gangs.

What have police said about the County Lines operation?

Detective Superintendent Syed Hussain said: “We know young children are getting drawn into County Lines, we see it all too often.

“During the week we arrested a boy aged 13 who ran from us in Sparkhill.

"We recovered a kitchen knife which we believe he threw during the chase, and was found on a stolen bike.

"Intelligence suggests he’s increasingly involved in County Lines activity and selling drugs.

“It’s heart-breaking a child that age has already been dragged into such a dangerous drugs scene, one where he’s at risk of serious harm.

“One of our local officers has been in regular contact with his mum after she’d expressed concerns over his behaviour, being secretive, and going out late at night.

“She’s done exactly the right thing in seeking help – and she’s spotted some of the tell-tale signs.

"We’ll be working with our partners to offer support for her and her son.

“That’s why tackling County Lines gangs is so important: they are ruthless and think nothing about exploiting vulnerable people or children to deal drugs on their behalf.

Were any properties in Birmingham raided?

Police also raided an address in Quinton, Birmingham, believed to be linked to a County Lines supply and arrested a 19-year-old man.

Court orders were also secured to close down several phone numbers linked to drug dealing,

Nationally, more than 1,400 suspects were arrested and 671 vulnerable people safeguarded during the week of action.

Det Supt Hussain added: “This was a week of joint activity with other forces, partner agencies and charities but rest assured we are targeting County Lines gangs every day of the week.”

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