Over 30 arrests made across South Division during County Lines Intensification Week

A total of 31 people have been arrested and significant quantities of cash, weapons and drugs have been seized across South Lancashire as part of a major national operation targeting County Lines criminality.

Officers from Preston, Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire carried out a programme of targeted enforcement and safeguarding activity as part of County Lines Intensification Week.

County lines is the term used to describe a method of drug supply where organised criminal groups use dedicated mobile phone lines to distribute drugs, often moving them from larger cities into smaller towns and rural areas.

These groups frequently exploit young people and vulnerable adults, coercing them into transporting drugs, money or weapons.

 Activity across South Lancashire during the week included:

• 31 arrests made
• Two County Lines drug networks dismantled
• Victims of cuckooing visited and safeguarded
• Seizures of heroin, crack cocaine and cannabis
• Over £10,000 in cash recovered
• Weapons, including machetes and a stun gun, seized

Det. Supt. Lukmaan Mulla said: “This focused activity highlights the devastating impact county lines criminality can have on our communities across South Lancashire and, in particular, on the vulnerable people who are exploited, coerced, and manipulated by organised networks.

“While this week highlights our efforts, it is important to remember that this work takes place all year round.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting those at risk, dismantling criminal networks, and ensuring our neighbourhoods are safe.”

Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said: “Organised crime and cross‑border gangs cause serious harm to communities here in Lancashire and across the wider region. Through Operation Warrior, we are taking decisive action to remove drugs from our streets, protect vulnerable people, and ensure that those suspected of gang-related crime are tracked down and brought to justice, wherever they operate.

“This work depends on strong partnerships between police forces and the Northwest Regional Organised Crime Unit, enabling us to stay one step ahead of offenders and dismantle these criminal networks.

“I will continue to support the Constabulary in its relentless pursuit of serious and organised crime, stripping criminals of their assets and delivering on my Police and Crime Plan priorities through strong leadership and robust scrutiny.”

During the week, officers carried out inputs in schools and distributed leaflets encouraging members of the public to make themselves aware of the signs of child criminal exploitation. Some of these signs include children frequently going missing and then returning home, having more clothes, mobile phones, or cash than usual, receiving excessive text messages or phone calls and disengagement from school. 

If you believe that someone may be involved in County Lines or other drugs activity, you can report it to us by calling 101. 

Alternatively, you can report it via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report your concerns anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk-org. If you think someone is in immediate danger, call 999.