16 arrested in Wolverhampton County Lines blitz as Class A drugs and £30,000 cash recovered
Police in Wolverhampton and the County Lines task force as well as partners have been targeting criminal gangs who exploit children and vulnerable adults to supply drugs across the country
As part of the national County Lines Intensification Week officers in Wolverhampton arrested 16 individuals and charged ten for offences including possession with intent to supply, possession of a firearm, and cultivation of cannabis.
The team executed 11 warrants where around 6-7kg of Class A drugs, over 750 MDMA tablets, and a large amount of cannabis was seized. An estimated £30k worth of cash was recovered during the intensification week.
A firearm, five machetes, two knuckle dusters, ammunition and one imitation firearm have been removed from the streets of Wolverhampton thanks to proactive stop searches and arrests.
West Midlands Police's Gang and Organised Crime team and Wolverhampton’s Priority Crime Team visited suspected cuckooed properties to identify those most at risk to exploitation get the support they need. Cuckooing is when a home of a vulnerable person is taken over to establish a base for illegal drug dealing.
The week also focused heavily on safeguarding both adults and children and engaging with the local community to prevent future criminal activity.
The police's partnership team reviewed missing children's cases to identify patterns and points at which exploitation could take place. The team has now developed cross border meetings to strengthen information sharing, develop joint mapping of networks and movement patterns, and coordinate safeguarding responses.
Awareness training to multiple faith organisations was also delivered, reinforcing their role in creating safe and vigilant environments where young people can ask for help.
Schools officers also spoke to primary and secondary pupils about the dangers of county lines and open up conversations around exploitation. Alongside this, officers and partners from the council, Catch 22 and St Giles set up information stalls at the central train station.
Chief Superintendent Anthony Tagg, who manages local policing in Wolverhampton, said: "National intensification weeks provide a valuable opportunity to highlight the risks and harm associated with county lines.
“Organised crime, drug supply, and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals are issues that affect our communities year-round. We remain steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding those most at risk and holding offenders accountable.
"Through strong partnership working, we are able to take proactive enforcement action while also helping ensure that individuals leaving custody are supported with clear pathways that can steer them away from criminal activity."
He said tackling issues around violent crime and carrying weapons is a priority across Wolverhampton and they were working hard to identify anyone involved as part of Operation Redfox.
If you spot a high number of people entering and leaving a property in your area, at unusual times day and night, increased anti social behaviour or neglect to the property, let the police know as these could be signs of cuckooing and county lines.
