Locally, Dorset Police undertook a week of intense activity focusing on tackling and disrupting county lines operations across the county, while Hampshire Constabulary targeted areas including the New Forest.

In Dorset, 14 arrests were made and £7,100 in cash seized from suspected dealers. As well as cash, officers seized approximately 146 grams of suspected crack cocaine and 90 grams of suspected heroin which, if proved genuine, could have a combined value of £23,600. In addition to cash and drugs, stolen bikes valued at £12,000 were also recovered.

In Hampshire, heroin worth £4,140, cannabis worth £50,000 and 25 MDMA tabs were seized. Police also recovered £7,380 in cash and 10 weapons, and made 33 arrests.

Safeguarding people vulnerable to exploitation was also a key focus for the week, with safe and well checks conducted across the region.

Dorset Police county lines lead, Detective Superintendent Andy Dilworth said: “The disruption of county lines is a priority for us due to the harm criminal gangs cause through the exploitation of vulnerable people. I am delighted with the success we have had during this week; our streets are safer as a direct result of the disruption activity we have carried out.”

County lines is the name given to a method of dealing drugs by organised crime gangs by using a dedicated branded mobile phone line. The gangs exploit vulnerable people – including children – by making them deal drugs or by moving into their home and using it base to sell drugs. This is called cuckooing. 

If you think someone is being exploited by county lines gangs, please contact us using our non-emergency channels. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers, 100 per cent anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Further information on county lines can be found on the Dorset Police website: www.dorset.police.uk/countylines