Arrests have been made and £10,000 seized during a week-long crackdown on county lines drug crime in Cumbria. 

More than 1,100 people also received expert advice about this type of exploitation and offending as police officers and staff visited groups and schools to raise awareness of the threats to communities.

The term county lines describes gangs and organised networks involved in drug export, using dedicated mobile phone lines.

Throughout the week of March 4 to 10, law enforcement throughout the nation collectively intensified its response and strengthened ongoing investigations.

Activities during the week included arrests of four in the Stainmore area with suspected MCAT seized; a man arrested in Carlisle with cocaine and a baton torch weapon confiscated; seizure of £10,000 hidden under a car seat after travelling to Carlisle, and the arrest of a teenager on suspicion of drug possession with intent to sell.

Detective chief inspector Andy Myers, head of Cumbria Police’s serious and organised crime unit, said: “This is just a snapshot of the work our officers and staff do all-year-round to tackle suspected county lines crime.

“We are unrelenting in our pursuit of all drug traffickers, including those operating using the county lines model.

“One of our main aims is also to prevent people being drawn into county lines, including diverting children and young people away from a way of life that is massively damaging to their own communities and their future prospects.”

The force also has County Lines Prevent officers who help those at risk of being drawn into county lines. Working with partners, they divert those people away from this world.

They made more than 50 visits to vulnerable people, with referrals to support agencies made in relation to some of those visited. 

Cumbria police are also putting efforts to raise awareness in recognising signs of county lines involvement among vulnerable young people.

These could include:

  • Travelling alone, frequently, particularly in school hours or late at night.
  • Looking lost or in unfamiliar surroundings.
  • Appearing anxious, frightened, angry or displaying other behaviour that make you worried about them.
  • Being in possession of more than one phone.
  • Carrying lots of cash.