Met Police Smash County Lines in Intense Crackdown
The Met Police joined a nationwide blitz on county lines drug gangs from 11 to 17 October. County lines crime involves criminals using phone lines to push drugs from cities into small towns and rural areas across the UK.
Vulnerable Victims Trapped in Brutal Drug Gangs
Exploiting vulnerable kids and adults with mental health or addiction issues, gangs force them into drug dealing through threats and violence. Hundreds of officers teamed up across London and beyond to shut down these networks and protect those trapped in this toxic underworld.
Massive Haul: Arrests, Drugs, Guns, and Cash
- 400 arrests made
- 123 vulnerable people rescued, including 96 children
- 5kg Class A drugs plus 667 wraps seized
- Over 4kg Class B drugs plus 667 wraps confiscated
- 2 firearms (including an imitation), 17 knives, a machete, and knuckledusters recovered
- 40 county lines dismantled (phones and numbers seized)
- £131,600 cash and €451,000 Euros seized
- £100,500 in criminal assets frozen along with 45 vehicles
In Tower Hamlets alone, 19 warrants netted 19 arrests, 2kg of Class A drugs, and over £220,000 in cash and assets.
Community Outreach & Hard-Hitting Police Action
Officers hit the airwaves on the youth-led Hearts of Talent talk show to warn teens about county lines dangers. The Met is stepping up by using modern slavery laws to go after top gang bosses and training officers to spot exploitation early.
Operation Orochi, the Met’s specialist county lines unit, has rescued 547 exploited people and closed 596 lines since 2019. They arrested 1,175 line holders and secured 1,769 charges including drug supply, slavery, and weapons offences.
“County lines devastate lives,” said Deputy Assistant Commissioner Graham McNulty. “We are committed to hunting down and locking up the line-holders who spread misery and exploit vulnerable people.”
“The line holders hope to hide behind scared children and adults, but we pursue them relentlessly whether victims help us or not. Line holders should know we’re coming for them.”
Detective Superintendent Rick Sewart of Op Orochi added: “County lines fuels violence, often involving young people, which is why cracking it is a top Met priority. But we need the public’s help too – report drug dealing or exploitation to keep London safe.”
Get Involved – Protect Our Kids & Communities
The Children’s Society backed the crackdown with its Look Closer campaign, urging everyone to spot signs of exploitation and report concerns.
If you suspect drug crime or exploitation:
- Call the police on 101 (999 in emergencies)
- Give info anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or 123.
Londoners, keep your eyes open. Together, we can bust these vicious gangs and protect our vulnerable from county lines horror.
