Hampshire Police Launch Major Crackdown on County Lines Drug Gangs
Hampshire Constabulary spearheaded a week-long blitz targeting ruthless county lines drug dealers exploiting vulnerable people. The operation cracked down on the merciless gangs smuggling drugs from big cities into smaller towns using secret mobile ‘deal lines’.
Exploitative Gangs Targeting Kids and Vulnerable Adults
County lines criminals use intimidation, violence, and weapons to force children and vulnerable adults into trafficking and storing drugs. Often, they ‘cuckoo’ — taking over homes through threats and violence — to run their dirty business.
Officers speaking to 39 vulnerable adults during the raids offered them vital support, aiming to break the cycle of exploitation.
Police Collaboration Nets Huge Seizures and Arrests
The crackdown saw 53 cuckooed homes raided, 85+ vehicles stopped, and key rail stations and ferry ports monitored for ‘drug mules’ and signs of child exploitation. Twelve pre-planned warrants hit addresses tied to county lines through careful intelligence gathering.
- 166g crack cocaine + 88 wraps
- 47g heroin + 85 wraps
- 26kg cocaine + two wraps
- 580g cannabis
- £. Offenders hailed from London, Dorset, and Kent. Four drug gangs linked to serious violence were dismantled.
Protecting Victims and Raising Public Awareness
Chief Superintendent Nigel Lecointe, Hampshire’s lead on drug harm, vowed relentless pressure on county lines operators: “We’ll keep shining a spotlight on these toxic networks, safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in our communities.”
The British Transport Police’s taskforce also smashed drugs trafficking on railways, with Minister Kit Malthouse joining raids in Basingstoke, southampton/" title="Southampton" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Southampton, and Andover, including the seizure of 300 heroin wraps.
Hampshire police are backing the #LookCloser campaign urging the public and professionals to spot signs of criminal exploitation: solitary children travelling at odd times, looking lost or carrying large amounts of cash.
“Children groomed into county lines don’t always look like victims,” Lecointe warns. “Many are scared or angry, manipulated into crime. It’s vital we all stay alert and report suspicious activity to help protect them.”
If you spot drug dealing or suspect exploitation, contact police on 101 or dial 999 in an emergency.
