76 arrested in connection with county lines investigations in Leicestershire

'The recovery of significant amounts of drugs, cash and weapons along with charging a number of people has an immediate and tangible impact.'

In just a week Leicestershire Police carried out 41 warrants, arrested 76 people and made safeguarding visits to 58 vulnerable people.

Officers were taking part in a week targeting County Lines drug dealing.

The team also recovered cash, drugs, firearms and other weapons between Monday 27th February and Sunday 5th March 2023.

County Lines is the name given to drug dealing where organised criminal groups from cities exploit young people from smaller towns and rural areas into moving and supplying drugs. The ‘county line’ is the mobile phone line used to take orders for drugs. 

Detective Inspector Dan Granger, who oversaw the week of activity, said: “The results from County Lines Intensification Week speak for themselves.

“The recovery of significant amounts of drugs, cash and weapons along with charging a number of people has an immediate and tangible impact. Alongside this, the improved intelligence gained during the activity along with the educational offerings provided, particularly to schoolchildren, supports us in protecting communities moving forward.

“The success of the week was only possible due to the drive and enthusiasm of those involved, showing a real determination to safeguard vulnerable people and bring offenders to justice.

“I am grateful to all that took part in both the planning and execution of this week of action, including members of Leicestershire Police and colleagues that work for our partners.”

During the week Leicestershire Police:

• Mapped five new County Lines
• Made 76 arrests – with 15 individuals charged with 36 separate offences
• Executed 41 warrants
• Led two ANPR operations – leading to 13 arrests, 41 stop checks, and 10 vehicles recovered
• Recovered 33 weapons including a firearm
• Seized over £12,500 in cash
• Seized over £200,000’s worth of drugs
• Reached 5238 school pupils and 151 educational professionals with interactive preventative workshops
• Safeguarded 21 individuals

Rupert Matthews, The Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, said: “County Lines is responsible for much of the serious violence on our streets, not to mention the exploitation of vulnerable young people who are groomed into behaviour that exposes them to serious risk of harm.  

“Robust enforcement to disrupt the supply chain and safeguard young people is vital for keeping our communities safe and I am very impressed by the hoard of drugs, weapons and money taken off the streets this week.  

“With the arrival of the Government’s Serious Violence Duty, I am working hard with partners to expand provision for young people who are at risk of being lured into County Lines activity. The workshops hosted as part of this week of action support this approach, raising awareness of the tactics employed by gangs to target their victims.”