HAMPSHIRE Constabulary have spent a week cracking down on drug dealing, after disrupting 10 County Lines and organised crime networks.

The British Transport Police ran a number of operations in Southampton, Portsmouth, Basingstoke and the New Forest to protect children and vulnerable adults who are often exploited by gangs into selling or moving drugs.

Officers worked to arrest 26 men over the age of 18, three boys and four adult women.

During the week of action (May 17 – May 23), officers also identified and safeguarded 17 children as vulnerable to county lines exploitation.

Hampshire Constabulary’s lead for drug-related harm, Detective Superintendent, Nick Plummer, said: “No one really knows how many young people across the country are being forced to take part and support County Lines activity.

“Children without criminal records – known as ‘clean skins’ – are preferred because they are less likely to be known to police. However, children with criminal records are also vulnerable to exploitation from gangs who use them to operate their business all over the country.

“We are often involved in missing person reports of young people who have left their place of residence in another county and later been found in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, often carrying drugs or cash which results in us having to arrest the young person.

“However this is also an opportunity for us get them the support they need and refer them to appropriate services. We are continually assessing the threat, risk and impact on the young person in these challenging situations. We have to consider the ongoing risk to them from the gang who controls them, as well as rival gangs, but this is an opportunity for us to put in place safeguarding measures and support that ensures they are safe from harm.”

During the operation police seized £50,000 worth of cannabis, over £4,000 worth of heroin, an unknown quantity of crack cocaine, MDMA and over £7,000 worth of cash.

A number of weapons were also recovered including seven knifes, one scissor blade, a catapult and a knuckleduster.

DS Plummer, added: “The objective of this intensification week was to disrupt county lines networks and safeguarding exploited children and the vulnerable.

“County Lines and local drug networks cause misery for vulnerable young people and our communities and it is absolutely right that we continue putting significant effort into identifying those involved in supply and exploitation for their own gain.

 “There is this strong link between drugs and violence, and we have made significant efforts to understand the impact of those involved in County Lines and other crime that spills into our neighbourhoods.”

Last week’s operation saw officers target 52 cuckooed addresses and stop checked seven vehicles for organised crime usage.

A further seven pre-planned warrants were executed at addresses believed to be used in county lines activity.

DS Plummer continued: “Criminals groom children through manipulation, with drugs and alcohol or promises of wealth and status. Any child, in any community, can be vulnerable but they may be too scared to raise concerns and many do not see themselves as victims because they have been manipulated.”

“They may not look or act like we expect a victim should and may for instance be angry and aggressive as these are common responses to trauma.

“We must therefore look beyond the obvious to see they need help.

“This is not an issue we can tackle alone. Local agencies, charities, partners, schools, parents all need to help us protect the most vulnerable in our communities.”

If you notice suspicious activity or have information about drug dealing you can make a report on our website, call 101 - always call 999 in an emergency.

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