A TOTAL of 36 people have been arrested as part of an operation targeting the supply of drugs and exploitations of vulnerable young people.

County Lines – where illegal drugs are transported from one area to another, usually by children or vulnerable people who are coerced into it by gangs – has been an issue across the UK for a number of years.

Earlier this month, Cleveland Police took part in a national drive to tackle it, with more than 100 officers executing warrants, arresting 36 people.

Read more: County lines drug networks taken down during three-day Cleveland Police operation

And interventions were also made to assist 18 vulnerable adults and children caught up in situations.

Detective Inspector David Glass from the Complex Exploitation Team said: “Throughout this national week of action, we had a number of objectives in place.

“Firstly, to bring those involved in the exploitation of young persons and drug supply to justice, to safeguard children and vulnerable adults being exploited and to raise awareness of the signs of County Lines.

“Within Cleveland, we have made 36 arrests and 18 safeguarding interventions as a result of activity.

“I’d like to thank all of the teams and officers involved, as well as partner agencies, including Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, social services, treatment services and Barnardos who worked with us to achieve these results.

The Northern Echo:

 “Everyone within our communities has their part to play too. It is vital that we all work together to safeguard and protect vulnerable children and adults who are at risk of exploitation. I would encourage anyone with concerns to report incidents. This assists with developing the picture and leads to activity shown within Op Burford.

 “We will work tirelessly to identify and deal with anyone seeking to exploit others by forcing them into a criminal lifestyle.”

  • In Stockton, 26 arrests were made as part of Operation Burford. Men and women aged between 24 and 52 were arrested for a range of offences including arrests on suspicion of Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, possession of criminal property and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. In total, 10 people were charged with alleged drug offences and appeared at Teesside Magistrates Court.
  • A series of drug warrants and proactive patrols saw 10 arrests made across the Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland areas. Men and women aged between 17 and 60 were arrested on offences including on suspicion of theft and on suspicion of drug offences. They were released under investigation while enquiries continue.
  • A 42-year-old man was charged with theft in connection with an alleged incident in Stockton on  October 28, 2021. He appeared at Teesside Magistrates Court on Wednesday, March 9.
  • A 33-year-old man was charged with possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class B in connection with an alleged incident on Friday, March 4. He appeared at Teesside Magistrates Court on Monday, March 7.

Anyone with concerns about County Lines can report it to Cleveland Police via the 101 number.

The Northern Echo:

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