Police arrest almost 2,000 people in week-long county lines crackdown
In London, the Metropolitan Police arrested 301 people and 111 of those individuals have so far been charged.
One suspect was arrested at an address in the Isle of Dogs, east London, where he was found in possession of sports cars, designer watches, drugs and more than £5,000 in cash.
The London force also shut down more than 100 drug lines and seized a dozen firearms, 78 weapons – including samurai swords and Zombie knives, nearly 70kg of class A drugs and more than £600,000 of cash.
County lines networks are typically urban-based, drug-dealing gangs that use phone lines to sell drugs, mainly crack cocaine and heroin, to customers in other counties.
Its 'most insidious element' involves the exploitation of vulnerable people, including children and those with mental health or addiction issues, by recruiting them to distribute drugs or by using their homes as a base for dealing, the Met said.
In the latest crackdown, 260 'vulnerable or young people' in London were safeguarded with the aim of preventing them from getting involved again in organised crime.
According to the NPCC, forces across the country safeguarded 1,179 people in total.
Detective Superintendent Dan Mitchell, from the Met Police and National County Lines Co-ordination Centre, said: 'The Commissioner recently spoke about the indisputable link between county lines and violence.
'Disrupting county lines is not only vital in keeping society's most vulnerable safe, but also as a key part of our mission in tackling violence.
'The criminals behind these networks are dangerous individuals, capable of manipulating and exploiting anyone to achieve their aims.
'Dedicated Met officers continue to work closely with other police forces around the UK to ensure dangerous offenders are stopped.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Sister fights to save vulnerable Brit, 18, accused of smuggling meth to Japan
Sean Stephenson, 18, has been detained in Japan after allegedly being caught with over a kilo of meth - but his family insist he was groomed and coerced by British gang members An 18-year-old Londoner is being held in Japan after allegedly being caught with over a kilo of meth - in a case his sister claims was sparked by brutal exploitation by British gang members. Sean Stephenson, from Charlton in South East London, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) aged five and has a history of self-harm, suicide attempts, and learning difficulties. His family say he has a much lower mental age, no criminal history, and is extremely vulnerable - insisting he was groomed and coerced. Sean disappeared on Father's Day, telling his family he was going on a 'sightseeing trip' to Canada. But after an onward flight to Japan, he was arrested on June 21 with a locked suitcase allegedly containing more than a kilo of methamphetamine, MyLondon reports. His sister Ami Lee says Sean 'acted under pressure' from gang members who threatened to break his legs and harm his family. 'I have not eaten. I have not slept. I'm a nervous wreck,' 33-year-old Ms Lee told MyLondon, with just over a week until Sean faces a Tokyo judge. 'I am scared we are gonna get a call to say 'Your brother has taken his own life'. That is my biggest fear when he's innocent. I just want to get him home.' Ms Lee says Sean told her through his lawyer that he was followed to Heathrow Airport and threatened with violence if he didn't board the flight. She also claims he was threatened with a broken Smirnoff Ice bottle around two weeks before his arrest. Police were reportedly called to the June 10 incident, though Sean didn't press charges. 'He's not in a gang, he's very very vulnerable,' she said. 'He's quite a people pleaser. He would do anything to please people and make friends because Sean has got no friends. He's got nine nieces and nephews. He's more on their level. My sister is 18-years-old and she does not come around and play tag or it with people.' Sean's family have taken their concerns to both the Metropolitan Police and the National Crime Agency (NCA), but claim they've been sent from pillar to post and are still waiting for action. They are calling for a swift investigation, including CCTV from Heathrow and police records of the June 10 callout. Experts warn autistic teenagers are especially vulnerable to gang grooming due to their difficulty detecting lies and desire for social connection. Reacting to the response of both forces, Ms Lee said: 'Who is responsible? He has been groomed on UK soil. He could get free if we can prove he was followed to the airport. I would understand if my brother was a criminal. Do a background check then. He's a law-abiding citizen. He's never done anything wrong. We may never see my little brother again.'
Leader Live
8 hours ago
- Leader Live
Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey charged with raping two women
The Metropolitan Police said the midfielder faces five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault following alleged offences between 2021 and 2022. Partey's lawyer Jenny Wiltshire said he 'denies all the charges against him', adding: 'He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.' The Ghanaian international was charged four days after leaving the North London club. The sexual assault allegation relates to a third woman, police added. Partey is accused of two counts of rape against one woman and three counts of rape against another. The force said it first received reports of an allegation of rape in February 2022. Ms Wiltshire said the 32-year-old has 'fully co-operated with the police and CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) throughout their three-year investigation'. Partey, of Hertfordshire, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on August 5. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, whose team is leading the investigation, said: 'Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward. 'We would ask anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone who has information, to speak with our team. 'You can contact detectives about this investigation by emailing CIT@ Partey joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 in a transfer worth around £45 million. The defensive midfielder signed for the Spanish club in 2012 and made 188 appearances – as well as going out on loan to Mallorca and Leganes. He played 35 games for the north London club in the Premier League last season, scoring four goals. Partey has also made more than 50 appearances for Ghana – including at the World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations. He left Arsenal following the expiry of his contract on Monday.
Economist
8 hours ago
- Economist
How tether became money-launderers' dream currency
By Oliver Bullough W hat may be the most consequential cryptocurrency investigation in recent times began on a November evening in 2021 in a defiantly offline location: the southbound carriageway of Britain's M1 motorway. Metropolitan Police officers suspected a driver was carrying illicit cash, and pulled him over as he approached London. From Chile to Indonesia, the changing needs of the electronics industry are altering the face of the Earth Estonia is girding itself for an invasion as its Russian minority grows restless Lessons from Thomas Cromwell and Niccolò Machiavelli about winning friends and influencing people in the White House Kelvin Kiptum had the world at his feet. Then it all ended in an instant His Netflix show claims to uncover the truth about our ancient past. Critics say he peddles dangerous nonsense Lebanon has spent years under the militant group's dominance. Could it be coming to an end?
