Quickly exit this site by pressing the Escape key Leave this site
We use some essential cookies to make our website work. We’d like to set additional cookies so we can remember your preferences and understand how you use our site.
You can manage your preferences and cookie settings at any time by clicking on “Customise Cookies” below. For more information on how we use cookies, please see our Cookies notice.
Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.
Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.
Sorry, there was a technical problem. Please try again.
This site is a beta, which means it's a work in progress and we'll be adding more to it over the next few weeks. Your feedback helps us make things better, so please let us know what you think.
British Transport Police (BTP) disrupted seven county lines, arrested 62 people, and seized nearly £4,500 during a national week of action tackling drug supply across England, Scotland, and Wales.
The week was coordinated by BTP’s dedicated County Lines Taskforce and its operations comprised uniformed and plain clothes officers, passive drugs dogs and metal detection arches. As part of the enhanced activity from Monday 4 - Sunday 10 March, over 76 operations were conducted across the railway network, with more than half involving local police forces.
Officers deployed at stations and on train services, making a total of 54 drug seizures, removing 36 weapons from the railway, and seizing 44 mobile phones used for drug supply.
The Taskforce works to not only arrest offenders and get drugs off the streets but to safeguard those involved, who are most vulnerable. The week saw 10 people receive care and support interventions and they were safeguarded away from the dangers of County Lines.
Detective Superintendent Gareth Williams, BTP’s County Lines Taskforce lead, said: “Last week’s results demonstrate how effective we are in disrupting criminal networks and protecting young and vulnerable people from harm.
"These efforts were boosted by our colleagues from local forces, but our dedicated team works across the whole rail network every day tackling this exploitative activity.
"We are particularly pleased to have secured two charges for Modern Slavery offences, as we are determined to arrest and convict offenders that put children at great risk, by involving them in County Lines.
"We encourage anyone to report any signs of child exploitation or any concerns to us by discreetly texting 61016, any information can help lead to the capture of those responsible."
Reports can be made to BTP on 0800 40 50 40, by calling 999 in an emergency and you can report any information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.