Weapons, drugs, and cash have been seized during a week-long crackdown on county lines gangs blighting the lives of people in the region.
Police forces across the region, taking part in a national campaign, executed warrants, drugs seized and arrested 79 people across the North East alone.
Thousands of pounds worth of drugs and cash were recovered as officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU), Northumbria Police, Durham Constabulary and Cleveland Police, carried out raids on suspected drug gangs.
They carried out several targeted operations across the region to safeguard vulnerable victims, shut down drug lines and educate young people around the dangers of becoming involved with drugs.
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NEROCU county lines co-Ordinator Ian Randell, said: “This latest intensification week has delivered more great results, but we want to reassure the region that our commitment to taking action doesn’t end here.
“Our work tackling County Lines happens year-round, with dedicated teams building intelligence, shutting down deal lines, arresting suspects and protecting those being exploited.
“Another big part of tackling County Lines is also educating young and vulnerable people on the dangers and the signs to look out for. Our amazing safeguarding partners are a vital tool in helping those who are vulnerable to get support and away from crime.
“Under the banner of Operation Sentinel, our dedicated regional initiative to tackling serious and organised crime, we will continue to work with partners and pursue offenders, shut down their lines, and work with young people and those who have been impacted by this abhorrent crime.”
County Lines drug gangs sees ruthless dealers expanding their illicit operations through dedicated mobile phone lines, known as ‘deal’ lines, which sell highly addictive substances at low prices to keep vulnerable addicts coming back for more.
During the crackdown, Cleveland Police seized nearly £15,000 worth of drugs, many weapons, hundreds of pounds worth of cash and arrested 18 people.
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Six air rifles, a pistol, baton, four machetes and a flick knife were amongst the weapons seized, as well as over £11,000 worth of crack cocaine.
Detective Chief Inspector Gez Wraith said: “The results have been successful thanks to a team effort from the Force and our colleagues from partner agencies; resulting in removing illegal drugs and weapons from our communities and engaging with and safeguarding a number of people.”
If you see something that doesn’t look right or know of any vulnerable people who may be involved in County Lines, contact your local police force on 101.
Alternatively, if you have concerns or information, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 111 555 or visit their website.
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