Police Crackdown on County Lines Drug Operations – What Are The Implications?

A massive police operation across the South West has led to the arrest of 37 individuals in the West of England alone, as part of a major crackdown on County Lines drug networks. Coordinated under Operation Scorpion, this week-long effort saw five regional police forces team up to disrupt drug supply routes, seize large amounts of cash and drugs, and dismantle criminal operations.

What Was Seized?

Police from Avon and Somerset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Devon and Cornwall, and Dorset joined forces with the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU). Their efforts led to:

• 102 arrests across the five police force areas
• 66kg of cocaine and 14kg of cannabis recovered
• Seizure of £119,000 in cash and 17 vehicles (including 6 e-bikes)
• 29 suspected County Lines shut down

Wiltshire Police alone arrested 25 people, disrupted 14 drug lines, and seized offensive weapons – including a firearm, stun gun disguised as a torch, and multiple knives and machetes.

What Are County Lines?

County Lines operations involve organised drug gangs moving their trade from cities into smaller towns and rural areas. They use mobile phone lines to manage deals and often exploit children and vulnerable adults to store, move, or sell drugs.

This exploitation is at the heart of many police investigations, with senior officers acknowledging that drug runners are often as young as 15, while those managing the lines can be just 21.

How the Police Are Tackling It

The recent operation wasn’t just about arrests. Police also focused on raising awareness and preventing further harm by:

• Visiting hotels, taxis, and postal services to raise awareness of drug-related exploitation
• Speaking to over 1,000 taxi drivers about spotting signs of child criminal exploitation
• Engaging with households potentially affected by cuckooing – where criminals take over vulnerable people’s homes
• Safeguarding eight vulnerable individuals and coordinating with agencies for ongoing support

Could You Be at Risk of Arrest?

With these enhanced crackdowns, there’s a real risk of innocent people being caught up in police investigations, especially if they’ve been manipulated or coerced into involvement. That includes young people exploited as drug runners or those whose homes have been taken over without fully understanding what’s happening.

Charges could include:

• Possession with intent to supply Class A drugs
• Conspiracy to supply
• Weapons offences
• Modern slavery offences (if exploitation is proven)

What Happens If You’re Arrested?

Even being questioned or arrested in connection to a County Lines investigation can have serious implications. It’s vital that you have expert legal representation from the outset to protect your rights and build a strong defence.

How Morton’s Solicitors Can Help

If you’ve been arrested or are under investigation as part of a drug-related operation, don’t face it alone. At Mortons Solicitors, we have decades of experience defending people accused of drug offences, including those involving County Lines and modern slavery claims.

We offer:

• 24/7 police station representation
• Specialist defence for complex drug and conspiracy cases
• Support in exploring defences under the Modern Slavery Act
• Dedicated legal teams who fight for your rights

How We Can Help

Contact Mortons Solicitors today for expert advice and immediate support if you’re facing drug-related allegations. If you have any questions or concerns, call us on 0161 477 1121 or contact us by email.