Five charged and seventeen arrested in week-long crack down on drugs gangs

Five people have been charged and 17 arrested as part of a national week-long operation targeting county lines drug dealers.

Police forces from across the UK took part in County Lines Intensification Week from 25th November to 1st December with the aim of disrupting the activity of drug networks that target and exploit the most vulnerable members of society.

During the week, Derbyshire officers - led by the force Exploitation Team - disrupted several drug networks and seized thousands of pounds of cash and class A drugs.

Four warrants were carried out across South Yorkshire and Chesterfield and four people were charged with conspiracy to supply heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine, and possession of criminal property, with one being additionally charged with possession of a firearm.

A fifth person was charged with possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin, in an unrelated incident earlier in the week, after being stopped by officers in Chesterfield.

Crack cocaine, cocaine, and heroin with a total potential combined street value of £35,000, along with more than £4000 cash, an imitation firearm, bladed articles, 23 mobile phones, and multiple SIM cards were seized.

Officers carried out 13 ‘cuckooing’ and vulnerability checks, and safeguarded six adults and eight children who were believed to have been exploited by county lines drug dealing gangs.

Safer Neighbourhood and Youth Engagement Teams carried out patrols and leaflet drops in hotspot areas, carried out presentations in schools and visited businesses to raise awareness and see if they could spot the signs of exploitation.

Detective Inspector Kane Martin, of our Child Exploitation team, said: “As a result of our action during County Lines Intensification Week thousands of pounds worth of drugs have been removed from the market and potentially dangerous weapons taken off the streets as well as several dedicated County Lines, which have brought misery to communities of Derbyshire.

“Our work to disrupt county lines in Derbyshire continues throughout the year, but during these national weeks of action we intensify our work with partnership agencies and other police forces to target these organised networks and raise awareness of the issues locally.

“The issue brings so much misery to our communities, and some of our more vulnerable members are often preyed upon by others who exploit them for their own criminal gain.

“I hope that our residents are reassured by our ongoing efforts and ongoing work and would encourage people to continue to provide their support by reporting any suspicious activity or information about suspected illegal drug activity in their neighbourhood.”

If you are concerned about drug-related crime in your area, or if you think someone may be a victim of drug exploitation, you can contact officers via any of the routes detailed below:

• Website – There are reporting tools at www.derbyshire.police.uk/
• Facebook – send a private message to the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page
• X (Twitter) – direct message the contact centre via @DerPolContact
• Phone – call the non-emergency number 101

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website.