County Lines: 109 people arrested and close to £1-million of drugs seized in West Midlands

Last week (7-13 March), police hit the homes of people suspected of running crack cocaine, heroin and cannabis supply chains from the West Midlands.

109 people were arrested in the region, and close to £1-million of drugs were seized, as well as £20,000+ in cash.

The force also seized heroin and crack cocaine worth almost £30,000 hidden inside a washing machine during one warrant in Smethwick (7 March) and on 11 March a 63-year-old man was arrested at a house in Tipton where Class A drugs valued at £20,000 were recovered.

Phones suspected of being used as drugs hotline were also seized and a number of weapons were recovered.

An address in Quinton which police suspect is linked to a County Line running north from the West Midlands, was also raided. A man aged 19 was arrested on suspicion of drug supply.

Court orders were secured to close down several phone numbers linked to drugs supply and sent warning and drug support messages to people who’ve interacted with the lines.

What was said about the operation?

Detective Superintendent Hussain, the force’s County Lines lead, said: “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.”

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

Detective Superintendent Syed Hussain, added: “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.”

A message from the editor:

Thank you for reading. BirminghamWorld is Birmingham’s latest news website, championing everything that is great about our city - reporting on news, lifestyle and sport. We want to start a community among our readers, so please follow us on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram, and keep the conversation going.