POLICE have arrested 24 people and seized over £2,000 worth of Class A drugs in a fortnight long focus on county lines disruption.

Between February 1 and February 14, officers in Southampton carried out two weeks of dedicated work to tackle County Lines networks and disrupt the supply of drugs across the city. 

Over the two weeks, districts worked with partners to carry out warrants and operations in relation to County Lines networks exploiting both the city’s travel links and local children.

In total, 24 arrests were made, over £2000 worth of Class A drugs and £10,000 in cash was seized and five deal lines were disrupted.

On February 5, Southampton police joined forced with the British Transport Police at Southampton Central Station to stop and disrupt organised crime using public transport.

Police have also been identifying and engaging with vulnerable children and adults, referring them to services that can offer them support where necessary.

Fourteen people were safeguarded as a result of the intensification period.

Inspector Hayley O’Grady from Southampton’s High Harm team said: “Southampton is a busy city, and is a safe place in which to live, work and visit – but like most towns and cities up and down the country, we have experienced issues with County Lines drugs networks and associated activity such as knife crime and violent assaults.
“The two weeks of intensification serves to further our ongoing proactive approach to disrupting the supply of drugs within our communities.
“We know that drug dealing and violence are inextricably linked, as highlighted across the fortnight with the recovery of several knives, and that is why tackling the supply of drugs – especially through County Lines – is a crucial part of our work to reduce violent crime."