Met Police Smash County Lines Gangs, Rescue 249 Vulnerable Victims
The Met has smashed a major county lines drug trafficking network, rescuing more than 240 children and vulnerable adults exploited by ruthless gangs. The major crackdown took place during a national intensification week from 17 to 23 May.
Hundreds of officers across London joined forces with police nationwide to tackle these crime rings. The results? A whopping 190 arrests and 249 vulnerable victims safeguarded, including 119 children.
Serious Seizures and Brutal Weapons Taken Off Streets
- 8kg of Class A drugs (2,887 wraps)
- Over 11kg of Class B drugs and 199 cannabis plants
- Four firearms, two imitations, ammunition, and CS spray
- 17 knives and an axe
- 27 active county lines routes from London to the counties shut down
- £126,000 in cash seized
- Luxury assets including £80,000 in watches, designer clothes, and multiple vehicles
Thirteen victims were also referred to the National Referral Mechanism, identifying potential human trafficking and modern slavery cases.
What Is County Lines? The Deadly Drug Trade Taking Over
County lines gangs use mobile phone lines to smuggle drugs from big cities into smaller towns and the countryside. They rely on exploiting children and vulnerable adults—often those with addiction or mental health issues—to run the dirty drugs for them.
These gangs keep victims under control with violent threats. They also practise ‘cuckooing’—using the homes of vulnerable adults as bases for drug dealing, often preying on the lonely and isolated by offering free drugs or cash for bills.
Met Cracking Down with Modern Slavery Laws & Expert Training
The Met has ramped up efforts like never before, using modern slavery legislation to target top gang bosses. Officers get specialist training to spot exploitation, working closely with charities like The Children’s Society on safeguarding.
Since launching Operation Orochi in November 2019, the Met has shut down 406 county lines, arrested 793 lineholders, and charged 1,368 suspects with crimes including drug supply, slavery, and weapons possession. Over 250 vulnerable people have been rescued.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Graham McNulty said:
“I am incredibly proud of the results of this intensification week. We’ve taken dozens of violent criminals off the streets and closed almost 30 county lines. Most importantly, we’ve protected 249 exploited children and vulnerable adults. This is thanks to months of hard work by officers across London.
“County lines crime fuels violent chaos in our communities. We won’t stop until these gangs are wiped out. If you know anything about drug dealing or exploitation, please speak up — anonymously if you prefer — so we can keep London safe.”
Charity Warns: Exploited Kids Need Our Eyes and Ears
Kelly Lewington from The Children’s Society urged the public to be vigilant:
“County lines groom kids with cash, status, and drugs, then threaten horrific violence if they rebel. These young victims often seem angry or aggressive because of their trauma. Police training now helps spot exploitation hidden beneath the surface.”
She added that the charity’s Look Closer campaign encourages everyone—parents, teachers, and community members—to spot signs of abuse and report it to the police.
Spot Something? Say Something!
If you suspect drug crime or exploitation, call the police on 101. For emergencies, always dial 999. Want to stay anonymous? Contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or Fearless, the youth-focused reporting charity.
