Members of suspected ‘county lines’ drug gangs in the North Yorkshire Police force area received a rude awakening when a series of early morning raids were carried out.
The week of action, which took place between Monday, October 3 and Sunday 9 was coordinated by the National County Lines Coordination Centre (NCLCC).
During the high intensity week of action officers arrested 27 people on suspicion of drugs offences ranging from the possession of controlled substances through to being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs.
Several teams were deployed to work on the week of action after the force’s intelligence team identified suspects and vehicles involved in the supply of drugs.
Across Harrogate, Craven, Hambleton and Richmondshire areas 11 individuals were arrested as part of the operation.
Officers detained a man in Harrogate who was suspected to be delivering drugs from his vehicle. He was found to be in possession of approximately £1,500 worth of cannabis and approximately £500 in cash.
Read more: Drugs, cash and weapons seized during early morning raids across the North East
The 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a class-B drug and driving whilst under the influence of drugs. The man was released under investigation for further enquiries to allow the valuation of the drugs seized.
Last Friday, officers suspected that a drug deal had just been conducted in a vehicle in the Jennyfields area of Harrogate. One man was detained in the vehicle, but the passenger managed to flee from the police.
After a foot chase and an extensive area search, officers successfully detained and arrested a 48-year-old man on suspicion of supplying a class-A drug. This is suspected to be heroin. The first occupant a 43-year-old man was arrested for possession of class A drug. Both men were released pending further investigation to allow for the drugs to be forensically tested.
Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Simpson, who supported the coordinated the week of activity in North Yorkshire Police, said: “Drug use has serious implications on people’s health and impacts on the quality of life for communities.
“We will not tolerate the use of drugs in our county. I would urge anyone with information about drug dealing in their community to call us, we treat every piece of information as important.”
Anyone with concerns about county lines can speak to their local police on 101 or call 999 in an emergency. If you’d rather stay anonymous you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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