Thousands of pounds worth of drugs off the streets in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
09 December 2024
The Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, has commended Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary after more than £300K worth of drugs was seized in an intense week of disruption.
County Lines Intensification Week, co-ordinated by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), took place from 25 November to 1 December 2024.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary dismantled 14 county lines networks, seized over £134K in cash, arrested 94 people, seized 170 mobile phones and devices, and confiscated over 30 weapons.
County Lines is used to describe drug dealing networks where mobile phones are used to supply drugs from large cities to towns and rural areas. Vulnerable people and children are exploited to deal drugs and collect money on behalf of gangs. A vulnerable person’s home can often be used as a base for drug dealing and drug running, which is known as ‘cuckooing’, and children are often groomed into gangs with the false offer of protection, friendship, and gifts.
During the week of action, police officers across the two counties also arrested 12 young people for drug-related offences.
PCC Donna Jones said: “Drug dealing causes misery to our communities. It brings violence, exploitation and deprivation. The results from the week of action demonstrate the commitment of officers and staff to get drugs off our streets and make our communities safer.
“Help has been offered to children and vulnerable adults who have been groomed and recruited to work for these gangs, who are often under threat of violence and debt, and fearful that there is no way out. As Police Commissioner, I will continue to fund interventions for people on the periphery of crime who need help to break free from addiction and exploitation.”
Nationally during County Lines Intensification Week, there were 1,660 arrests and 261 county lines used by gangs to sell drugs were closed. There were also 557 weapons seized as well as four XL bullies, and £1.98M in cash.