A week-long campaign targeting county lines gangs has resulted in almost 100 people being arrested across the Northumbria Police area.
Officers were joined by the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU), local authorities and safeguarding partners and carried out several targeted operations.
The aim of the operation was to safeguard vulnerable victims, shut down drug lines and educate young people around the dangers of becoming involved with drugs.
Warrants were executed at a number of premises believed to be involved in the supply of drugs as well as targeted patrols at transport hubs and work to gather key intelligence to further safeguard those being exploited by this type of criminality.
The activity has seen a large quantity of drugs taken out of communities, with cocaine, crystal meth, ecstasy and cannabis amongst the items seized.
Read more: Drugs, cash and weapons seized during early morning raids across the North East
The warrants also resulted in the seizure of several weapons including a firearm, machetes, knives, a crossbow and throwing stars.
Searches also saw the seizure of almost £119,000 in cash suspected of being linked to drug offences.
Detective Chief Inspector Stu Liddell said: “We are working harder than ever with our partners to crack down on County Lines, which brings misery to communities, and ensure it does not take hold in our region.
“What makes County Lines different to other forms of drug dealing is the aggressive tactics to trap and exploit vulnerable users, including children, in a cycle of debt and addiction that they can’t break free from.
“We remain dedicated to bringing those responsible for violence and exploitation to justice and will use all avenues available to us to do so.”
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “This is exactly what people want to hear about – officers out there fighting crime, arresting the dealers who bring harm to our region and removing the drugs and the devastation they cause.
“Northumbria Police is fully committed to clamping down on County Lines and in particular catching those at the top of the chain. The raids, the covert operations, they’re happening all the time and it’s important people know about the continued efforts to protect our region from drugs.
“It’s crucial that this operational success is supported with long term prevention work too. Our police can’t tackle the problem on their own and my Violence Reduction Unit works closely with some fantastic organisations who support those who are at risk of being exploited and groomed into this kind of criminal activity."
Read more: What are county lines? The drug networks exploiting vulnerable people across the North East
Part of tackling County Lines is educating young and vulnerable people on the dangers and the signs to look out for of exploitation.
If you see something that doesn’t look right or know of any vulnerable people who may be involved in County Lines, call the force on 101.
Alternatively, if you have concerns or information, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800111555 or visit their website.
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