Thames Valley Police Launches Big Crackdown on County Lines Drug Gangs
Thames Valley Police has cracked down hard in a week-long blitz targeting county lines drug dealers. The force joined a nationwide operation by the National Crime Agency to smash organised crime groups exploiting vulnerable communities.
Raids, Arrests and Seizures Across Bucks, Berks & Oxon
Officers executed 20 warrants across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, and Oxfordshire as part of their ongoing Stronghold campaign against serious organised crime. The raids led to 91 arrests and the seizure of 573 grams of crack, heroin, and cocaine, plus 27 weapons, 91 mobile phones, and over £50,000 in cash linked to drug dealing.
County lines gangs use phone lines to push drugs from cities into smaller towns and rural areas, often exploiting kids and vulnerable people with addiction or mental health issues. Victims are threatened and turned into drug runners under violence and intimidation.
Community Outreach and School Education Drive
Alongside enforcement, Thames Valley Police stepped up community engagement. Officers visited 38 schools, warning pupils and staff about the dangers of drug exploitation. A unique lesson plan was rolled out featuring Dee, an ex-offender sharing his chilling story of child drug exploitation to educate young people.
Police also visited 72 vulnerable individuals to offer protection and support, while deploying knife arches, sniffer dogs, and high-visibility patrols at busy railway stations to deter crime.
Detective Chief Superintendent Sends Clear Warning to Gangs
“This week of action has been really positive in making arrests, protecting vulnerable people, and seizing drugs, cash and weapons,” said Detective Chief Superintendent Richard List. “We’ve worked with partners including schools and charities to educate the public and gathered intelligence to keep fighting county lines.”
“To offenders: we know who you are. We will arrest you, stop your supply, and seize your profits. We will not tolerate the exploitation of our communities.”
“We urge the public to help us by reporting drug dealing or if someone they know is at risk of exploitation. Together, we can safeguard our communities and bring criminals to justice.”
