May 21, 2019 12.43 pm This story is over 58 months old

Nine arrested in a week over major drugs crackdown

County lines exploit vulnerable people in Lincolnshire
A stock image of a police raid.

Seven men and two women were arrested in a week over a major drugs crackdown in Lincolnshire.

County lines enforcement targets gangs and organised criminal networks which exploit vulnerable people to sell class A drugs.

Lincolnshire Police raided properties in Lincoln, Sleaford, Louth and Grantham where the occupants were believed to be selling drugs.

Five knives, heroin, cocaine, cannabis, amphetamine and unknown tablets were all confiscated in the raids – as well as £3,000 in cash and various mobile phones.

All of those arrested have either been released under investigation or bail or with no further action.

Officers also spoke to 12 vulnerable adults involved to offer support.

The visits were part of a nationwide drive to tackle known county lines, and across the country police made over 586 arrests between May 18 and May 20.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Knubley, force lead for county lines, said: “We all know drugs have a detrimental impact on our communities, with anti-social behaviour and other crimes such as theft and burglary committed by users looking to fund their habits.

“But county lines gangs also pose a significant threat to users who are especially susceptible to exploitation. Many do not view themselves as victims and are often manipulated into carrying out crimes or subjected to violence.

“We are committed to tackling those who inflict such harm on our communities whether they are members of the public, people with substance misuse issues or children vulnerable to exploitation.

“In the past week, we have been able to speak face to face with people who may not have otherwise proactively sought help, signposting them to support agencies and giving advice on how to keep themselves safe.”

Anyone with information about people believed to be involved in drugs, either as victims or perpetrators are being urged to contact police on 101.