County Lines: 20 people arrested in Darlington and County Durham

Eleven young people, including children as young as 14 and a pregnant 15-year-old girl, were also taken into police protection following raids targeting drug gangs which prey on children and vulnerable adults.

Temporary Detective Superintendent, Steve Thubron, of Durham Police, said: “We have been tracking a definite trend over recent months for organised crime groups who target our communities, especially Darlington.

Read more:  Drug dealers grooming children as young as 14 in Darlington and County Durham

“County Lines is particularly appalling being marked by serious violence and the repeated exploitation of children and vulnerable adults.

More than a dozen raids have been carried out this month, including eight in Darlington, with officers seized cash, BMW cars, Rolex watches and a pillow case full of drugs. 

The County Lines operations are linked to extreme violence and exploitation, with young and vulnerable children often ‘recruited’ to deliver the drugs on behalf of gangs in inner city areas such as London and Birmingham.

The 'lines' refer to mobile phones that are used to control a young person who is delivering drugs, often to urban and rural locations.

Eight lines have been uncovered by Durham Police, with dozens of officers executing 15 warrants this month.

A total of 20 people were arrested.

Several weapons including a crossbow, two machetes and zombie knives, 15 burner phones and more than £50,000 in cash were also found at different addresses while crack cocaine, heroin and a pillowcase filled with drugs was recovered.

Officers also seized three vehicles including a BMW i8, four Rolex watches and designer clothing.

A 19-year-old suspected drug dealer was also arrested after officers traced him using social media to supply drugs throughout Durham City centre.

Temp Det Supt Thubron said: “This has been a long and complex series of linked operations which have seen months of intelligence gathering leading to co-ordinated strikes against those who profit from the misery of others and the exploitation of children.

“We have seized their drugs, seized their phones, seized their weapons and seized the cars, watches and designer clothes they bought with their profits.

"Most importantly, we have intervened to safeguard the children they were exploiting.

“Our efforts to tackle county lines take place every day, although usually out of sight, and we will continue to crack down on those who would make money from the misery of others.

“We want to send a clear message to drug dealers preying on vulnerable members of our communities and thinking they are above the law – we will find you and bring you to justice.”

Read more: County Lines: How to spot children being exploited by drug gangs

As well as safeguarding vulnerable children found at properties, officers also carried out Operation Pester which directly engaged with more than 80 vulnerable drug users connected with the identified lines.

Officers offered safeguarding advice made referrals to support networks and gained valuable intelligence from the engagement which in turn helps to cut off the demand that drug dealers rely on.

Anyone who sees something that does not look right or knows of any vulnerable people who may be involved in County Lines is urged to report it to Durham Police.

Members of the public are advised to call 999 if a person is in immediate danger or, to remain anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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