Atherstone drug raids during two-week police focus on tackling County Lines

Police drugs raids - including in Atherstone - in the last two weeks have resulted in 'significant amounts' of heroin, crack cocaine, cocaine and cannabis being seized.

Officers have arrested 50 people as part of a sustained focus on targeting County Lines drug dealing and gangs within Warwickshire.

The fortnight's activity included the force's response to the national County Lines week of action, coordinated by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC).

Officers from across the force area have executed warrants at a number of addresses in Atherstone, Nuneaton, Leamington, Stratford, Keresley and Rugby, with significant amounts of heroin, crack cocaine, cocaine and cannabis seized.

Vehicles, more than £20,000 in cash, imitation firearms and knives, and 41 phones suspected to be linked to drug dealing were also recovered.

Vulnerable people and those at risk were also safeguarded and officers carried out high visibility proactive and educational patrols as well as various vehicle stops.

Detective Inspector Chris Cook said: "This targeted activity on County Lines gangs demonstrates how our officers are working tirelessly to disrupt and dismantle drugs supply and protect the young and vulnerable people who are exploited by them within our communities.

"This may have been two weeks of activity but this disruption will not stop and operations such as these are very much 'business as usual' for us.

"With 50 arrests made, various warrants served and cars stopped we have significantly disrupted County Lines activity across the county and have safeguarded a number of vulnerable people.

"Tackling County Lines drug dealing remains a priority for Warwickshire Police.

"We will continue to pursue and prosecute those who bring drugs into our county, commit violence and exploit vulnerable members of our communities."

County Lines activity involves a group from a large urban area travelling to smaller locations to sell drugs.

They may challenge an existing group from the local area or another County Lines group in order to take over the local market which often causes an increase in violent incidents.

The groups travel between urban and county locations on a regular basis to collect drugs and deliver cash.

They will use local properties as a base for their activities; this is often acquired by force or coercion referred to as 'cuckooing'.

Anyone suspicious that a property is being used to sell drugs from, or that a young and/or vulnerable individual may be getting involved with County Lines drug dealing should contact their local police station or ring 101.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.