Cops Crackdown on ‘County lines’ criminals, with hundreds arrested during weeklong operation

Police seized more than £4million worth of suspected Class A drugs and arrested 234 people during a week-long crackdown on drug suppliers across London. Multiple arrests were made in relation to operation Yamata in what Police describe as ‘a week of co-ordinated action’.

A Firearm seized during the operation

The term ‘County Line’ comes from the mobile phone line used to take orders from drug users, these phone lines are often run by children and vulnerable adults who are exploited by criminals who use them as couriers to deliver the drugs.

Three suspects were arrested by police from the West Area Basic Command Unit, covering Hillingdon, Ealing and Hounslow are. The arrests were made in relation to an alleged drugs operation running a ‘line’ to Hull. Officers recovered a firearm and ammunition during the arrests.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Graham McNulty said: “County lines bring misery to communities and devastate the lives of those who are most vulnerable in our society. There is an undeniable link between drugs and violence, so disrupting all routes of drug supply continues to be central to our work in making London safer for everyone. The Met is working hard with forces across the country to tackle county lines and thanks to the hard work and dedication of our officers we have once again achieved some outstanding results during this week of coordinated action”.

Officers from a Metropolitan police’s specialist traffic unit stopped 2 vehicles as part of the operation and discovered a large quantity of cocaine believed to be worth over £3million. Two individuals where arrested and have since been charged with drug trafficking offences.

Drugs siezed during the week long operation IMAGE-MET POLICE

The Children’s Society also joined forces with the Metropolitan Police Service to run its #LookCloser campaign alongside the coordinated week of action. Officers delivered assemblies about the campaign and spoke about the risks of a child being manipulated both online and offline.

James Simmonds-Read, national manager of The Children’s Society’s Prevention programme, said: “We welcome the arrest of criminals by the Met who cynically groom and coerce young people to move drugs in county lines operations, but it’s equally important that these children are being offered the help they desperately need during this week. Too often across the country, children are not identified as having been exploited and offered support, and our Look Closer campaign works closely with police and other professionals to help change that.”

If you are concerned about drug-related crime in your area or think someone may be a victim of drug exploitation, you can contact Police via 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.

If you would like to provide information anonymously, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org

Young people can give information 100% anonymously by contacting the charity Fearless at www.fearless.org