In a major operation against drug gangs in England and Wales, the police arrested more than 1,600 suspects in one week and seized drugs worth millions. Also confiscated were 1.2 million pounds (1.38 million euros) in cash, 100 kilograms of cannabis as well as hundreds of stabbing weapons and dozens of firearms, as the Home Office in London announced last night. More than 700 victims, including 58 minors, were brought to safety.
The gangs known as “county lines” that sell drugs from cities to rural areas often use minors as suppliers. They also use the apartments of so-called vulnerable people as storage facilities for drugs or cash. The term “county lines” refers to the phone numbers used by dealers. Interior Minister Suella Braverman announced that she would aggressively pursue drug trafficking.
“Our message to anyone operating county lines in the country is clear,” said Commander Paul Brogden of the National Police Chiefs’ Council. “We will pursue you tirelessly, we will close your county lines, we will ban drugs from our streets and we will rescue those you exploit.”
