During County Lines Intensification Week, which ran from 27th February to 5th March, a successful number of operations were led by Hampshire & IoW Constabulary to crackdown and tackle criminal groups.
- County Lines is used to describe gangs and organised criminal networks involved in exporting illegal drugs into one or more importing areas within the UK, using dedicated mobile phone lines or other form of “deal line”.
- These criminals look to exploit children and vulnerable adults to move and store the drugs and money and they will often use coercion, intimidation, violence (including sexual violence) and weapons.
The County Lines Intensification Week is a national focus by all Police Forces in England and Wales to crackdown on County Lines. During the course of the week, Hampshire & IoW Constabulary disrupted more than 18 County Line networks with 154 stop checks made, officers making 93 arrests, and safeguarding over 40 vulnerable people.
Across Hart and Rushmoor, 11 individuals were arrested as £17,990 worth of heroin and crack cocaine were recovered. Officers found cannabis, firearms, knives, machetes, and large amounts of cash on these persons.
Most notably, the Police executed a warrant at Grosvenor Road in Aldershot and discovered a cannabis factory with 377 plants with an estimated value of £250,000. A 35-year-old male was arrested and remains on police bail. As a result of the investigations that took place across the district, four drug lines have been intercepted.
Chief Inspector Marcus Kennedy, County Lines Intensification Week lead, said:
“County Lines can have a significant impact on violence and crimes associated in our communities. Targeting these drugs networks is a priority for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, and intensification weeks allows targeted resources across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and the country to tackle every aspect of these abhorrent organised criminal gangs.
“Last week, we undertook a week of action, executing warrants at key properties known for drug dealing, targeting transport networks used by county lines gangs, safeguarded victims, making significant arrests and removing a considerable amount of illegal drugs from the streets.
“This week of activity was not only about focusing on criminal gangs who prey on the vulnerable but also about supporting and protecting those who become victims of exploitation. We all have a responsibility to look for the signs of exploitation. This could be a child with new clothing, an expensive phone or unexplained cash. They may have a change in behaviour or are suddenly going missing.
“The public have been instrumental in supporting our operation around County Lines. Their information and engagement has assisted in making key arrests, making your communities safe.
“We would encourage anyone who believes that they are a victim of County Lines to get in touch on our non-emergency number 101, always call 999 in an emergency. Similarly, if you believe someone is caught up in County Lines activity or you have any information about drug dealing in your area, we ask that you reach out to us.
“Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary will continue to target County Lines networks and their associated crimes, holding them to account for their actions and making their lives as difficult as possible. I do not apologise for this.”
Commenting, Leo said:
"The Government is determined to crack down on the County Line gangs who are exploiting our children and have a devastating impact on our communities.
"This intensive week of action by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has been a huge success here in the Aldershot constituency, and I am grateful for the efforts of our dedicated officers for their relentless pursuit of these criminal organisations, and their commitment to safeguard the victims that are ruthlessly exploited by them."
Leo pictured with members of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary