Police take down four county lines drugs gangs in ‘huge’ operation

Humberside Police have dismantled four “county lines” drugs gangs after a “huge” operation spanning the country.

Months in the planning, the arrest phase took place over 19 days in April and May and resulted in dozens of arrests and charges, the force said today.

Large amounts of controlled drugs have been seized, along with a variety of weapons including machetes and knives.

Led by the Organised Crime Unit and the Operation Galaxy team, with support from regional colleagues and British Transport Police, the operation has so far resulted in:

• 68 arrests (49 men, 16 women, and three youths;

• 45 suspects charged with offences relating to the possession and supply of drugs;

• 30 warrants served in Hull, Bradford, and London

• The seizure of weapons and “huge” amounts of drugs including heroin, crack cocaine, spice, Valium and cannabis.

Investigations into those arrested continue, and the force said it was “confident” more charges will follow.

The aim was to target gangs involved in the supply of Class A and B drugs to Hull.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Vickers said: “This has been a vast operation, taking months in the planning and gathering of intelligence and information.

“Our teams have, as a direct result of this operation, managed to dismantle four ‘county lines’, and already secured guilty pleas from six men who were at the head of these crime groups and facilitated the supply of Class A drugs.

“Each of these ‘county lines’ from Liverpool, London and two from Bradford, were investigated by the Organised Crime Team at Clough Road police station.

“The operation was also identified elements of these gangs that had the propensity to use violence in order to expand their drug enterprises. This preventative approach resulted in weapons such as machetes and knives been taken off the streets, negating their use.

“Importantly, the operation also opened windows of opportunity for us together with the wider Community Safety Partnership to identify and safeguard vulnerable members of the community targeted by these gangs.  

“I want to commend the Organised Crime Team for co-ordinating what was a very successful operation. I would also like to thank Tracy Harsley for her efforts through the Community Safety Partnership, the Regional Organised Crime Unit, and the British Transport Police.

“Finally, I would like to express gratitude to the local Armed Forces and the National County Lines Co-Ordination Centre for their support. This has been a real team effort and working together we have contributed to making Hull a safer place to live.”

Detective Inspector Mark Catney, from the Yorkshire and the Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit, said: “Criminals are always changing their method of operation and will often move from location to location.

“They do not respect traditional borders and so it is vital that police forces work together to have the greatest possible impact.

“I am delighted our partnership work with Humberside Police, the National Crime Agency and the other forces in the region, including the British Transport Police, [managed] to make such a difference to local communities.”

The operation also tied in with the National County Lines Intensification Week, where in the Humberside Police area a further 79 people were arrested and a large quantity of drugs were seized, along with £1,300 worth of cash. 

The Humberside force was also able to identify five properties where it was believed vulnerable occupiers were being “cuckooed”.  “We visited the premises and have safeguarded those involved,” it said.

More than 150 shops, hotels, post offices, and taxi companies were visited and given literature around ‘County Lines’ activity to heighten awareness and encourage reporting.

Meanwhile, the force’s ongoing work within schools continued, working with 31 schools and the showing of “Alfie’s Story” to help discussion and the promoting of safeguarding work within the community.

Det Chief Insp Vickers said: “Vulnerable people, often teenagers and sometimes children, are exploited into becoming involved in organised criminality, and communities can become overwhelmed with illicit substances and anti-social behaviour that often comes with drug use and dealing.

“The community impact this type of offending has is the reason we will continue to do everything we can to disrupt these criminal networks, removing them, and the drugs they supply and distribute, from our streets.

“I would like to thank members of the public who have provided us with information so far and would appeal for anyone who believes they have any information that may be able to assist with our action against drugs to contact us on 101.

“Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you don’t feel comfortable speaking to police and would prefer to stay anonymous.”

To find out more about County Lines, and the signs to spot someone may be involved, click here