The Met Cracks Down Hard on County Lines Gangs in Major Week of Action!
400 Arrests and Hundreds Rescued in County Lines Crackdown
The Metropolitan Police joined a nationwide blitz on county lines drug gangs from 11 to 17 October. County lines are where criminals use phone lines to push drugs from big cities into small towns and rural areas across the UK. Vulnerable people, often children or those battling mental health or addiction problems, are lured in to run drugs under brutal threats and violence.
During the week-long ramp-up, hundreds of officers smashed county lines networks, making 400 arrests and safeguarding 123 vulnerable victims—including 96 children. The haul included 5kg of Class A drugs, 4kg of Class B, firearms, knives, offensive weapons, and £131,600 in cash plus €451,000.
Major Seizures and Tower Hamlets Raids
Policing units across London seized 40 county line phones and smashed drug networks, alongside confiscating £100,500 in criminal assets and 45 vehicles. In Tower Hamlets alone, 19 warrants were executed resulting in 19 arrests, 2kg of Class A drugs recovered, and over £220,000 in cash seized.
In addition to swoops, officers engaged with local communities raising awareness to stop young people from getting sucked into county lines. Police took part in Heart 2 Hearts, an anti-knife crime charity talk show aimed at teenagers, educating them on the dangers and how gangs trap youngsters.
The Met’s Tough New Tactics to Protect the Vulnerable
The Met is stepping up its game by using modern slavery laws to hit kingpins at the top of county lines chains. Officers receive advanced training to spot signs of exploitation and work closely with partners like The Children’s Society on victim protection.
Since Operation Orochi launched in November 2019, the Met has rescued 547 exploited people, shut down 596 county lines, arrested 1,175 gang members and secured 1,769 charges ranging from drug supply to weapon possession.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Graham McNulty said: “County lines devastate lives. We’re absolutely committed to taking the line-holders off the streets. Vulnerable victims will be safeguarded, and those exploiting them will face justice. Line-holders be warned—you can expect a visit from us soon.”
Detective Superintendent Rick Sewart added: “We see violent crime, often involving young people, linked to county lines. It’s a top priority for the Met. We urge anyone with information about drug dealing or exploitation to come forward. Together, we can make London safer.”
Community Efforts and How You Can Help
The Children’s Society backed up police efforts with its Look Closer campaign, encouraging everyone to spot signs of exploitation. James Simmonds-Read from the charity stressed the importance of supporting victims and training police and social workers to better protect them.
If you suspect drug crime or exploitation in your area, call 101. In an emergency, always ring 999. To anonymously share information, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit 123.
