County lines crackdown in South West

Last week, law enforcement across the UK intensified efforts to tackle County Lines drug activity, a criminal enterprise that exploits vulnerable individuals and brings violence to communities.

In the South West, Devon and Cornwall Police joined forces with multiple agencies as part of Operation Scorpion 10 to disrupt drug networks and safeguard at-risk individuals. 

County Lines refers to the distribution of drugs from larger cities to smaller towns and rural areas using dedicated mobile phone lines.

Vulnerable individuals, often children, are exploited to act as "runners" to transport drugs. These runners may be coerced into dangerous situations, including carrying weapons. 

The nationwide County Lines Intensification Week, led by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) and the National County Lines Coordination Centre (NCLCC), closely aligned with the goals of Operation Scorpion.

This regional initiative brings together Devon & Cornwall Police, British Transport Police, and other South West forces to tackle drug supply and exploitation collaboratively. 

Assistant Chief Constable Jim Pearce of Devon & Cornwall Police emphasised the importance of public awareness and intelligence in disrupting County Lines operations. “Child criminal exploitation often begins in seemingly everyday spaces like social media and gaming forums,” Pearce said. “Recognising the signs and reporting them can make a critical difference.” 

Activities across the South West led to 26 arrests in Devon and Cornwall, the seizure of drugs worth an estimated £226,840 - including cocaine, heroin, and cannabis - and the confiscation of £11,000 in cash.

Officers conducted safeguarding visits to support 30 adults and 19 youths and checked 28 addresses for signs of "cuckooing," where criminals exploit vulnerable individuals by using their homes as drug bases. Weapons seized included an imitation firearm, knives, and a baton, further disrupting criminal activity in the region.

Child exploitation remains a key focus, with police urging the public to report concerns. The ‘#LookCloser’ campaign by The Children’s Society provides guidance on identifying the signs of criminal exploitation, such as unexplained gifts, truancy, and sudden changes in behaviour. 

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly, praised the regional collaboration, saying, “The ruthless exploitation of young people by criminal gangs is appalling. These operations are essential in protecting vulnerable individuals and holding offenders accountable.” 

Across the UK, the County Lines Intensification Week resulted in 1,660 arrests and the closure of 261 drug supply lines. Police safeguarded 1,400 vulnerable individuals, including children, and seized £1.98 million in cash, 557 weapons, and four dogs classified as XL Bullies.

If you suspect someone may be a victim of exploitation, report it online here or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

To learn more about spotting the signs of exploitation, visit The Children’s Society’s #LookCloser campaign.