Over 100 individuals arrested in county lines operation

Police have confiscated firearms and arrested over 100 individuals across the southwest of England during a week-long initiative aimed at tackling drug trafficking and child exploitation. The operation, named Operation Scorpion, focused on gangs that recruit young people to transport drugs from major urban centers into the region.

Authorities confirmed that 122 people were arrested across multiple locations. Officers, supported by police dogs and the British Transport Police, concentrated on key railway routes into Cornwall to intercept suspected county lines traffickers.

Ned Bowie, sector inspector for southeast Cornwall, stated: "Criminal networks are taking advantage of transport links and exploiting vulnerable individuals to move drugs along these routes."

The seven-day campaign involved collaboration between five police forces Avon and Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, Dorset, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire as well as the British Transport Police and the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit. During the operation, authorities seized 67,329 in cash, 52kg of cannabis, 868 cannabis plants, three firearms, and five imitation weapons. Additionally, 48 people, including five children, were safeguarded.

At Plymouth Railway Station, passengers were given the chance to dispose of illegal drugs in an amnesty bin on the platform before being checked by the passive drug detection dog, Jasper. PC John Warren of Devon and Cornwall Police explained: "As people move past, Jasper detects the presence of common drugs and indicates if he finds anything."

Inspector Bowie added: "This is intended as a wake-up call. We are providing an opportunity to hand over drugs voluntarily an opportunity that may not exist next time. We hope this will deter such behaviour in the future."

Richard Deavall, a community support officer with the British Transport Police, conducted train patrols to identify vulnerable individuals potentially involved in county lines activities. He emphasized: "Our main priority is to protect these vulnerable people and help them move to safety."

Author: Sophia Brooks