Drugs and cash seized in county lines crackdown

Police have seized over £35,000 in cash along with 20 mobile phones and weapons during a two week operation.

During the intensification period heroin, crack cocaine, cocaine and cannabis were seized by Police across Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire.

Officers visited ‘cuckooed’ homes believed to be being exploited by drug dealers.

They identified and safeguarded vulnerable people at risk of being exploited.

Chief Superintendent Damian Barratt said: “West Mercia Police is no different to any other Police Force across the country where county lines drug dealers are exploiting vulnerable children, young people and adults.

“Organised crime groups are targeting our local communities and exploiting vulnerable people to transport drugs into our counties. In a practice known as cuckoo-ing, offenders often seek to take over the homes of vulnerable people to further facilitate drug dealing.

“These groups are often involved in serious violence and do not think twice about putting young and vulnerable people in frightening situations, causing them to make decisions that can ultimately change their lives and the lives of others forever. We are determined to do all we can to stop this from happening.