Two suspected county lines in Dorset were disrupted in a recent operation involving police forces across England and Wales.

The campaign was led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the National County Lines Co-ordination Centre and the Home Office, in partnership with the Children’s Society.

During the week – which ran from Monday 27 February to Sunday 3 March – assisted by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU), Dorset Police carried out address checks and engaged with and safeguarded a number of people. One referral under the National Referral Mechanism for a potential adult victim of human trafficking was also made.

During the week, warrants were executed in partnership with the Metropolitan Police, to disrupt a known suspected county line. Simultaneous warrants were served in both London and Dorset. As a result, vulnerable people were safeguarded, including young children, and two men were arrested.

Dorset Police assistant chief constable Rachel Farrell said: “Dorset Police is constantly working to disrupt suspected county lines activity in Dorset. The aim of this national week of intensification is to direct our resources to proactively and robustly target those involved in suspected organised criminality, which adds to the excellent work our dedicated policing teams do every day, to safeguard and protect communities.

“I am proud to see the effort that has gone into disrupting suspected county lines by seizing drugs and money and removing alleged dangerous criminals from our streets.

“A great deal of preparation goes into our activity for the intensification period and through this work we hope to make Dorset a hostile place for suspected organised criminals, while protecting vulnerable people from harm.”

A number of schools were also visited by the Dorset Police Safer Schools and Communities Teams as part of the intensification week, to provide information and support to young people to help prevent them becoming embroiled in county lines activity.

The Force also promoted messages from The Children’s Society around recognising the signs of exploitation among children, how to get help and how to report suspicious activity or worrying behaviour.

Police and crime commissioner for Dorset David Sidwick said: “I am delighted to see robust action being taken against county lines gangs across the county and beyond. By sharing intelligence and aligning strategies Dorset Police has been able to work with other forces and shut down a suspected county line that attempts to bring drugs into our county.

“I would like to thank all officers and staff involved in the ongoing work to take drugs off our streets. I hope this makes it clear to those who exploit our young and vulnerable to ply their evil trade that Dorset is no place for drugs. Put simply, you will get caught and there will be consequences.”