THAMES Valley Police has charged more than 50 people in a national week of action tackling drug offences across county lines, it has announced.
Work carried out from Monday, February 27, saw police focus on disruption of drug offences, with particular focus on those who exploit vulnerable people and communities.
Warrants took place across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire as part of the Stronghold campaign, with the three districts working in partnership to tackle organised crime across county lines.
In total, 54 people were charged with various offences.
Drug dealing on county lines sees organised crime groups using phone lines to move and supply drugs, often distributing substances out of cities and into smaller towns and rural areas.
This type of offence often exploits children and vulnerable people who may have addiction or mental health struggles.
Victims are often exploited by the groups, groomed or coerced with violence and intimidation in order to supply drugs to others.
The force also undertook a number of safeguarding operations to prevent people becoming victims, including visiting previous victims of ‘cuckooing,’ and informing teachers and school pupils of the dangers of organised crime groups.
In total, 102 people were arrested, of which 54 were charged, and police visited 78 addresses which had been taken over by a county line.
More than 400 wraps of cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin were seized, along with more than 90 cannabis plants, as well as weapons including a baseball bat, machetes, and a number of knives.
Around £66,000 of cash and approximately 160 mobile phones were also seized.
Detective Inspector Simon Hannam, of Thames Valley Police’s drugs focus taskforce, said: “This week of action has been really positive and productive, in terms of making arrests, protecting vulnerable people and seizing drugs, weapons and cash associated with drug dealing.
“It has been good to work alongside partners including local authorities, schools and charities, and have been able to educate people as to the dangers of drugs exploitation.
“It has been an important week going forward as we have gathered really useful intelligence which will help us continue to tackle county lines drug dealing.”
He continued: “We focus on combatting county lines every day, but this intensification week highlights to the public our commitment to fighting these offences.
“It should also serve as a message to offenders. We will not tolerate those who attempt to exploit our communities and bring drugs into them.
“We know who you are, we will arrest you, stop your supply and seize your drugs and cash.
“It is important that the public helps us in our fight against serious organised crime by reporting drug dealing or anything else which is of concern to them.”
He urged: “If you are worried that someone you know is being exploited by drug dealers, please report it.
“We can then take the necessary steps to safeguard them and identify those responsible.”
James Simmonds-Read, national programme manager at The Children’s Society’s prevention programme said: “Criminals prey on children, grooming them in person or online and using terrifying threats and violence to force them into crimes such as carrying drugs or exploiting them sexually.
“Worryingly, the cost of living crisis and financial pressures facing families can leave some children even more open to perpetrators offering them cash, food and gifts, even vapes and gaming credits. But it’s just not material things – they also offer the promise of friendship and feelings of belonging.”
The programme runs Look Closer, a national campaign encouraging everyone to learn the signs of child exploitation and how to report it.
She explained: “During this Awareness Week we want to dispel some assumptions people might make about victims.
“It’s important to understand that any child in any community can be targeted and that children of all ages, including those entering adulthood genders are forced into sexual and criminal exploitation.
“We work with police through the Look Closer campaign so that when concerns are reported, children are identified as victims and offered support, alongside crucial efforts to bring the offenders exploiting them to justice.
“We urge everyone from commuters and transport staff to shoppers, dog walkers, online gamers and people working in public-facing roles, such as shop and hotel staff, to be vigilant for signs of exploitation in public places.
“By reporting things that don’t feel right, either in your community or online, you may be helping a child to escape a situation of horrific abuse.”
“Any concerns can be reported to the police on 101, or if on a train text British Transport Police on 61016.
“Dial 999 if there is an immediate risk to a child, or alternatively you can contact the NSPCC for advice on 0808 800 5000.”
