Met Police Smash County Lines Crime: £4 Million of Class A Drugs Seized in Week of Action
Massive crackdown on dangerous drug gangs
The Met Police have dealt a massive blow to County Lines drug gangs, seizing over £4 million worth of Class A drugs during a week-long nationwide blitz. Running from 3 to 9 October, the operation saw officers swoop across London and beyond to smash dealers and protect the vulnerable.
In just seven days, the Met arrested 234 suspects and safeguarded 249 children and vulnerable adults, shutting down 70 county lines and recovering 70 deal line phones. This crackdown is part of ongoing efforts under Operation Orochi, which since 2019 has seen 1,260 lines closed and nearly 2,500 arrests.
Staggering hauls and heavy weapons seized
- Nearly 44kg of Class A drugs confiscated: including 8.5kg crack cocaine, 31.4kg cocaine, and 4kg heroin worth £4.3 million.
- 8kg of Class B drugs removed from streets.
- Over £330,000 in cash taken.
- Weapons haul: 1 firearm, 2 imitation guns, plus 56 weapons including 34 knives, machetes, a samurai sword, a meat cleaver, and knuckle dusters.
- 12 vehicles seized.
Operation Yamata steps up the fight
The Met is also expanding Operation Yamata, a new pilot to tackle London’s drug lines that criss-cross the city. Announced by Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, this initiative focuses on dismantling high-harm offenders and is set to cover three new areas in London.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Graham McNulty said: “County lines bring misery to communities and devastate the lives of the most vulnerable. Tackling drug supply and the linked violence is at the heart of making London safer. Thanks to our officers’ dedication, we’ve achieved outstanding results during this week of action.”
Key arrests and seizures across London
- West London police arrested three suspects running a line to Hull, seizing a firearm and ammunition.
- Central North command in Islington and Camden snapped 11 people linked to supply lines to Hertfordshire, charging them with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs worth over £80,000. £31,000 cash was seized.
- North West command teams stopped two vehicles carrying more than 30kg of cocaine worth over £3 million; two suspects now face trafficking charges.
Community action and prevention efforts
Around 6,000 Londoners, including children and adults, got involved in community education events highlighting the dangers of county lines. School projects warned Year 5 pupils about risks, while local businesses were trained to spot signs of child exploitation under “Operation Makesafe.”
James Simmonds-Read, national manager of The Children’s Society’s Prevention programme, said: “It’s vital that exploited children are not only rescued but also supported. Our #LookCloser campaign helps police and communities spot grooming and exploitation, giving children a fighting chance.”
Get Help or Report Drug Crime
If you’re concerned about drug activity or suspect someone is a victim of exploitation, call 101. Always dial 999 for emergencies. To report anonymously, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or Fearless for young people’s anonymous reporting.
