SEVENTY-eight people were arrested and over £100,000 in drugs were seized as police unmasked the extent of County Lines operations in Worcestershire.
West Mercia Police have spent the past year - April 2022 to March 2023 - cracking down on County Lines and revealed staggering figures for south Worcester.
In the past year, a total of £146,975 worth of drugs were seized in south Worcestershire.
Across the force area, police seized £450,000 worth of drugs.
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Some of the drugs seized in the county included magic mushrooms, cannabis plants and amphetamine.
One of the most expensive drugs seized was crack cocaine, which had an average worth of £8,940.
West Mercia also seized £28,444 of cash.
County Lines drug dealing sees dealers exploit children and young people, recruiting them to run drugs and cash between urban and county locations and deal drugs on their behalf.
Once recruited into County Lines, it can be difficult for those exploited to leave, with fear and threats of violence made to them and their family.
Vulnerable adults, such as those dependent on alcohol or drug use, are also targeted, with drug dealers often taking over their homes to deal drugs - a practice known as cuckooing.
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Around twelve safeguarding referrals were made for those deemed vulnerable.
Across the past year, 15 weapons were seized, including 11 blades, one S5 firearm, and three falling into the other category.
Detective chief inspector Oliver Ewels said: “During the last 12 months, we have relentlessly pursued County Lines drug dealers who have a devastating impact on our communities.
"The results are a huge achievement, but we will not rest on our success.
“County Lines drug dealing will remain a priority for West Mercia Police.
"Our dedicated County Lines teams will continue to root out the drug dealers and exploiters who care only about profits and not the children and other vulnerable people they exploit.
"Working with our partners, we will make our counties hostile places for those involved in County Lines networks.”
Anyone with suspicions that a property is being used to sell drugs, or that a young and vulnerable individual may be getting involved with County Lines drug dealing can report it online under the Tell Us About section of westmercia.police.uk or information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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