Leicestershire Police have carried out 38 warrants, arrested 63 people and made safeguarding visits to 54 vulnerable people during a national week of action targeting county lines drug dealing.

They also recovered cash, drugs, firearms and other weapons as part of County Lines Intensification Week, which ran from Monday the 7th of March until Sunday the 13th of March 2022.

County Lines' activity involves people from large urban areas travelling to smaller county towns to sell drugs, using dedicated mobile phone lines. This initiative is particularly relevant for those living in areas such as Rutland, which are in close proximity to larger cities.

The people involved also often exploit children and vulnerable adults to move and store drugs and money, sometimes using coercion, intimidation and violence. They can also be forced to let drug dealers use their homes as a base for selling drugs in a form of exploitation known as 'cuckooing'.

Chief Superintendent Jonny Starbuck said: "Thanks to this national week of action, we have arrested some significant individuals, closed down three lines and taken a large quantity of drugs off our streets.

"As well as enforcement activity, a major focus for us is protecting vulnerable people who are drawn into the world of drug dealing.

"This week has also given us a lot of intelligence and information about the people involved in county lines, and where they are operating, so they should expect a knock on the door in the near future."

The team also went into schools to spread the message about the dangers and harm of drug use.

The force's Children and Young Persons Officer, Katie Hudson, and Substance Misuse Officer, James Edmondston, ran 17 county lines workshops throughout the week – nine on Microsoft Teams and eight in person.

They spoke to 6026 pupils and 367 adult professionals/parents/carers who work with young people. The workshops based on the force's film 'Are you Listening?' are designed to help adults spot the signs of criminal exploitation in young people and warn teenagers of the dangers of getting involved in county lines.

Throughout March, Alter Ego Creative Solutions is delivering a theatre production on county lines. They will present 40 sessions into 26 educational establishments reaching approximately 6948 secondary school students.

To find out more about County Lines and to seek help and support, visit the Leicester Police website.

Find out more about other Police initiatives that have taken place this year so far by clicking here.