National week of action targeting county lines results in seven arrests

The police crackdown included a series of operations across Bedfordshire aimed at disrupting county lines gangs, as well as efforts to educate the public on the signs to spot of illegal drug activity and exploitation.

Officers launched the week of action with two arrests after a warrant was executed at two addresses in Grove Road and Waleys Close, Luton, which was believed to be cuckooed by one of the county's most prolific gangs - known to exploit vulnerable children.

A man and woman in their 30s were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. 

The targeted activity continued with three simultaneous dawn raids in Luton, Biggleswade and Bedford where a further three people were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

In Luton, a 17-year-old child from Brighton was safeguarded at a suspected cuckooed property in Brook Street with around 100 wraps of suspected crack and heroin. While officers in Heather Drive, Biggleswade seized an imitation firearm and three phones.

Two further arrests were made later in the week with warrants in Luton. A man in his 20s of Bedford Road and another in his 40s of Olympic Way were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and possession with intent to supply cannabis respectively. 

The force also targeted the county's transport routes such as Flitwick, Leighton Buzzard, Biggleswade, Sandy and Arsley train stations with visible police presence. 

A number of taxi firms and drivers across the county were spoken to about the signs to spot of child criminal exploitation and how to report incidents to the police if they ever have concerns. 

Officers also attended several community events and schools to educate people on the dangers of county lines.

Detective Inspector Alison Whitworth, leading on County Lines in Bedfordshire Police said: "This intensification period has undoubtedly had a positive impact on our efforts to dismantle county lines.

"From the number of arrests made disrupting drug criminality to the number of engagements we've attended where we could have potentially saved a child from exploitation. 

"Many dedicated teams in Bedfordshire are working tirelessly throughout the year to eradicate exploitation of all kinds and ensure drugs gangs that groom and exploit young and vulnerable people face the full extent of the law."

Just last month, two men became the first members of the same county lines drug gang to be convicted of modern slavery offences in Bedfordshire. 

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Festus Akinbusoye, said: "During my term as PCC, I have heard some shocking stories from police officers and victims' families about young people who have been exploited by drug gangs and serious offenders of criminality related to county lines."

"This is why I have made sure that Bedfordshire Police, supported by my office, is equipped and funded to tackle these problems effectively. This includes having the capacity to support victims and to ensure that exploitation is reduced by offering vulnerable people the help they need to prevent them from falling victim to the influence that drug gangs can have."

Forces across the Eastern region took part in county lines intensification week, which saw 125 people safeguarded, including 30 children, thanks to the efforts of investigators.

Nationally, 245 drug lines were shut down throughout the week, while officers made 1,800 arrests.