Thirty people have been arrested after a crackdown on organised crime in areas including Lancaster and Morecambe.
Lancashire Police took part in an operation to raise awareness and prevent the dangers of County Lines.
County Lines is a term used to describe gangs and organised criminal networks involved in exporting illegal drugs, using dedicated mobile phone lines. County Lines gangs are highly associated with violence, drug dealing and exploitation, having a devastating impact on young people, vulnerable adults, and local communities.
The following was carried out over the week in Lancaster, Morecambe, Wyre, Blackpool and the Fylde:
- 30 people were arrested
- A quantity of drugs was seized, including heroin, crack cocaine and cannabis
- Cash totalling £14,393 was seized
- A weapon and an imitation firearm were seized
- 10 phones were seized
- 15 people were safeguarded
- 8 raids were carried out
Chief Superintendent Karen Edwards, Divisional Commander of West Division said: “We are working harder than ever to crack down on County Lines criminals who bring drug dealing and violence into our communities. We must do everything within our power to tackle, disrupt and dismantle the groups who want to bring drugs into the towns and streets where we live.
“As well as targeted activity, officers and staff took part in several protection and prevention activities.
“31 addresses, believed to be involved in cuckooing, were visited and relevant safeguarding was put in place. Cuckooing is a term in which the home of a vulnerable person is taken over by a criminal to deal, store or take drugs from.
“Dedicated exploitation teams ran outreach sessions whereby a police officer and a social worker visit a young person or a premise, which is highlighted as vulnerable, outside of normal working hours. This multi-agency approach allows a specialist worker to engage directly with young people, who are potentially at risk, and work to raise awareness and understanding in relation to exploitation.
“A knife arch was also put up in eight train stations across the division and high schools and children’s homes were visited to talk about the dangers of county lines and how to spot the signs.
“County Lines is a significant threat, both nationally and locally within Lancashire. These organised criminal gangs’ prey on the vulnerable, including children, and exploit them at will, often leaving their victims with devastating long-term consequences”.
“These arrests are a message to those who would consider engaging in these activities in Lancashire. My team will continue to relentlessly pursue those responsible and we will continue to develop operations of this type and you can expect to see further arrests of county lines criminals in the future.”
“I want to thank the partner agencies that we worked with during this week such as Blackpool Council, Lancashire Fire and Rescue, Social Care, and Health and Safety, to name a few.”
If you believe that someone may be involved in County Lines or other drugs activity, you can report it to us by calling 101. Alternatively, you can report it via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report your concerns anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk-org. If you think someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
Children's play area in Lancaster opens after £118k revamp
Illegal tobacco and counterfeit clothing seized during raid on Lancaster city centre shop
Lancaster bowling green fundraiser hits target
Six food businesses in Lancaster district fail allergen tests
LISTEN: Stars of Morecambe and Wise stage show can't wait for Eric's 100th birthday
LISTEN: Thousands enjoy Wray Fair finale to annual scarecrow festival
PHOTOS and VIDEO: Incredible sand art on Morecambe beach honours Sir David Attenborough
Row over Morecambe FC debt as ex-directors' firm issues winding-up petition against club
Morecambe Pride handed £3,500 grant boost
North West awards delight for talented stars of Lancaster musicals
Music festival set for Lancaster over Bank Holiday postponed due to ‘ongoing planning’
Lancashire Police Museum in Lancaster celebrates fourth anniversary
Police investigate alleged sexual exploitation at Lancaster flat
Beyond the Beat: Two arrests after assault in Lancaster city centre
Morecambe MP "appalled" as Lancashire set to quit refugee resettlement scheme
Replica RAF helicopter to go on display in Lancaster at three-day show
Life-size knitted mannequin pops up ahead of Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday
Stars play in celebrity football match in Morecambe in memory of brave teenager
Roses are red! Lancaster University students celebrate fifth straight victory
70 homes in Carnforth evacuated after bomb scare
