England Police Arrest 200+ in County Lines Crackdown

Police forces across England launched a coordinated crackdown on county lines drug operations during a national intensification week, resulting in more than 200 arrests, the seizure of drugs valued at over £2.5 million, and the safeguarding of dozens of vulnerable individuals, including children and young people.

The operation, which spanned regions including West Mercia, West Yorkshire, Northamptonshire, Greater Manchester, and Derbyshire, targeted organized crime groups exploiting phone lines to distribute drugs from urban areas to towns and rural communities. Officers executed dozens of warrants, conducted raids on properties and vehicles, and collaborated with partner agencies to disrupt trafficking networks and protect at-risk populations. The week highlighted year-round efforts to combat the exploitation inherent in county lines activities, where criminals recruit vulnerable people, often minors or those struggling with addiction, to transport and sell drugs. Tactics include "cuckooing," where homes of exploited individuals are used as operational bases, frequently enforced through violence and intimidation.

In total, authorities recovered substantial quantities of class A...