West Midlands Police have smashed more than 400 drug lines and locked up nearly 90 offenders for a total of 545 years in a fierce crackdown on county lines crime.
County Lines Networks Busted Across the Region
The force’s specialist County Lines Taskforce dismantled drug supply networks across the West Midlands from April 2025 to March 2026. Hundreds of arrests were made, hundreds of thousands of pounds seized, and weapons recovered during dozens of raids. Nearly £500,000 in criminal profits was confiscated under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Officers worked closely with neighbourhood policing teams to gather intelligence and shut down these illegal operations.
‘Frankie Line’ Dealers Jailed for Peddling Class A Drugs
Among the recent busts, two dealers running the notorious “Frankie line” were sentenced for pushing Class A drugs into Birmingham’s city centre, Balsall Heath, Moseley and Selly Oak. Investigators revealed the line handled tens of thousands of calls and messages over 14 months.
Detective Inspector Mark Robinson said: “The unit is committed to shutting down drug networks and putting those who run them behind bars. It’s clear the taskforce is making a real impact in tackling the scourge of drugs which not only ruin lives but also fuel other crimes.” “Our work is never done and we’ll continue to target, disrupt and destroy such criminal activity.”
County Lines Exploitation Targets Vulnerable People
County lines gangs use dedicated phone lines to organise drug sales, often exploiting vulnerable people including children and those with mental health or addiction issues. Police vow to keep fighting this crime wave to protect communities.
