68 people saved from drugs exploitation

Crackdown on 'county lines' dealers

On the day it was announced that Devon and Cornwall police is being put in special measures, the force says it has 'safeguarded' 68 people by  targeting county lines drug dealing.

This is where offenders exploit children or vulnerable people, using them to transport drugs or cash across police force boundaries. The gangs use mobile phone messaging and social media platforms to advertise drugs for sale.

In Devon and Cornwall, police went on visits to schools and colleges andintervened with young people at hotspots, identified through intelligence, where drugs are known to be bought and used during high visibility patrols.

They say they have protected a number of people during safeguarding visits where people have been identified as vulnerable to exploitation through cuckooing, which is where the home of a vulnerable person is taken over by drug dealers.

A number of warrants under the Misuse of Drugs Act were carried out. Over the week, drug with an estimated value of over £35,000, nearly £11,000 in cash and weapons including a sword and three knives were located and seized.

On the roads, the No Excuses and Roads Policing Teams targeted vehicles seeking to bring in and move drugs around the two counties.

Over the week a total of 43 people were arrested for offences including possession with intent to supply, importation of a banned substance, possession of an offensive weapon, and driving under the influence of a banned substance.

Inspector Ryan Northmore said: “Information reported to us by the public and partner agencies is compiled with intelligence gathered by officers to give us the best picture possible about what is happening in our communities. We use this to look at where best to target our resources and tackle the issues that have been identified. 

“A significant part of county lines drug dealing is around exploitation of the vulnerable and that is a key focus for us. Safeguarding can take a range of forms including referring people to our Community Safety Partners and drug treatment services, promoting education programmes delivered by the Children’s Society and engaging with those at risk.

“I would urge everyone to be aware of the signs of exploitation and report any relevant information to us.

“The message is simple – there is no place for drugs here and we will continue to relentlessly pursue those who intend to bring drugs and harm to our communities.”

If you’re being ‘cuckooed’ or think you know someone who is, contact the police by reporting online or calling 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111. If you are in an emergency situation, always call 999.