Met’s County Lines Crackdown Nets 290 Arrests and Shuts 92 Drug Lines
The Met Police’s recent blitz on county lines drug networks has delivered a knockout punch. Over the course of a week-long nationwide operation from October 9-15, they arrested more than 290 suspects, safeguarded 110 vulnerable individuals, seized nearly 17kg of suspected drugs, and shut down 92 drug supply lines.
Targeting ‘Line Holders’ and Protecting the Vulnerable
County lines is a sinister drug trafficking method where gangs exploit young and vulnerable people to transport drugs from big cities into small towns and rural areas. The Met zeroed in on “line holders” who control the drug routes and bosses who orchestrate the trade.
This operation wasn’t just about arrests — officers also focused on safeguarding young people coerced into carrying drugs. They connected 31 youngsters to specialist support services such as Catch22 and The Prince’s Trust, with three referred to the National Referral Mechanism for potential modern slavery and human trafficking victims.
Staggering Seizures and Charges
- 290 arrests in total
- 163 suspects charged across 377 counts, including 287 drug trafficking charges
- 238 charges for Class A drugs; 49 for Class B
- 92 county lines shut in partnership with police forces nationwide
- 9,878 people reached via training and awareness campaigns
- Seizures included 17 firearms (Glocks, revolvers, imitation guns), 56 weapons (machetes, zombie knives, swords), 7.6kg Class A and 9.3kg Class B drugs
- £214,568 cash seized
Met Commander’s Message: ‘County Lines Devastates Lives’
“County lines devastates lives. It is much more than drug dealing and causes real visible harm to communities,” said Acting Detective Superintendent Dan Mitchell. “Drug dealers exploit vulnerable children and adults and cause wider violence.
“This week of action shows the Met is doing all it can, alongside partner forces, to close drug lines, arrest offenders, protect the vulnerable, and prevent harm.”
“We work closely with youth charities and local authorities to help those trapped in this criminal world turn their lives around.”
The Met’s crackdown operates under Operation Orochi, launched in 2019 to tackle county lines and modern slavery. So far, 110 arrests have been made on modern slavery charges, with 94 defendants formally charged in 135 cases.
Experts Urge Public to Stay Vigilant
James Simmonds-Read from The Children’s Society stressed the public’s role: “Our #LookCloser campaign raises awareness of exploitation signs, which can be subtle but are crucial to spot.”
“As nights get darker, watch for signs in fast food joints, taxis, and hotels where young people might be targeted.”
The Met urges anyone worried about drug crime or exploitation to call 101, or 999 in an emergency. For anonymous tips, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org. Your details stay private, and you won’t have to speak to the police or attend court.
This powerful week of action highlights a commitment to uprooting county lines crime and safeguarding London’s communities. But the fight continues—and the public’s eyes remain vital.
