Police engaged with more than 2,400 people as part of County Lines Intensification Week

Police and partners engaged with more than 2,400 people as part of a national week of action to tackle county lines drugs dealing and support those affected. 

Work by the force during County Lines Intensification Week, which took place 9-15 October, included visiting schools to help children and young people spot the signs of exploitation and explain the different support available. Other activities included working closely with the UK Immigration Service, His Majesty’s Prison Service, and local hotel companies.

A number of warrants and police interactions took place during the week, with 31 arrests being made. In total 66.6g of crack, 195.8 g of cocaine, 16g of heroin, 1kg of cannabis, 1.5kg of ketamine and £49,242 in cash was seized, as were phones believed to be involved in the dealing and supplying of drugs. Several weapons were recovered, these included knives, batons and suspected imitation firearms. 

Following the week, Detective Chief Inspector Matt Bodmer said: “The results demonstrate that Suffolk Constabulary and its partners continue to disrupt those involved in county lines. 

“I recognise that we cannot arrest ourselves out of county lines criminality, so the work carried out to visit those that live or work in our communities who are vulnerable to being exploited is a more considered approach. 

“It is also important that we share what the impact that county lines has on people looks like, this can be difficult viewing, but we want people to identify the signs early and know who to discuss any concerns with. 

“We are always grateful in the support we receive from the people of Suffolk and with your support we will continue to tackle this criminality robustly and support those most vulnerable.”

In total police engaged with around 1,600 pupils at schools across the county, including a role play scenario involving police cadets to show what county lines drug dealing and associated criminality may look like to a young person.

Checks were also made to vulnerable adults to ensure their safety and provide advice on the dangers of cuckooing and how they can contact police and other agencies for support.

Potential vulnerability to county lines associated criminality can occur within the taxi and fast-food delivery network. Officers and staff, including those from the constabulary’s Commercial Vehicle Unit, worked with the UK Immigration Service to talk to delivery and taxi drivers. The force also worked with taxi companies, to engage and educate around county lines and explain what the warning signs may be and how to report any concerns.

Hotels were also visited to ensure staff were aware of protocols to keep vulnerable children safe.

Other initiatives that took place during the week included stops at HMP Highpoint, weapons sweeps and the use of drugs testing at Newmarket Racecourse. 

Tim Passmore, Police And Crime Commissioner for Suffolk, said: “There have been many excellent results from Suffolk Constabulary in combatting this pernicious and appalling drug related criminality which causes great distress and harm to individuals, families and whole communities. Very well done to all involved.

“The threat from hardened criminals involved in this wicked crime cannot be overstated which is why this vital policing work must continue. 

“Very good progress has been made and the message to these criminals is that all agencies are united in the determination to try and eradicate this serious threat to our county. 

“No stone will be left unturned to bring these drug barons to justice.”

* County lines is a professional term used to describe the involvement of organised criminal networks and street gangs in moving illegal drugs. This historically was from cities to other parts of the UK but can include local movement. Local children may be made to deal drugs locally, rather than in other force areas. Activity is conducted over a dedicated mobile phone line. A person under 18 cannot consent to their exploitation 

** Cuckooing / home invasion - Cuckooing is a practice where people take over a person's home and use the property to facilitate exploitation. It takes the name from cuckoos who take over the nests of other birds. There are different types of cuckooing including using the property to deal, store or take drugs.

You can find advice about gangs and county lines drug dealing, including guidance about leaving a gang, by visiting: www.suffolk.police.uk/advice/gangs-county-lines-information-and-advice

What are the key signs a child or young person could be at risk?    

• Children travelling alone, especially if this is in school hours, late at night or on a regular basis. If they are being criminally exploited they may be sent significant distances and may be missing from home.     
• They may be lost or appear as though they are in unfamiliar surroundings.     
• They may appear anxious, frightened or angry, but they may also appear disruptive or aggressive - a common response to trauma.     
• They could be in possession of multiple phones. 
• They might appear under the control or instruction of others, including people who are older than them and do not appear to be family members.     
• You may see them with large amounts of cash.     
• Signs of a child being at risk online could include them talking about older or new friends they have met online, talking about gifts, money or in game credits they have received online, receiving large numbers of calls or messages, being worried about being away from their phone and having a new phone or more than one phone. Learn about online safety, talk to them about it and take as much interest in their friends online as you would offline friends.