14 arrests in and around Luton in county drugs lines crackdown

Fourteen people have been arrested by Bedfordshire Police as part of a national week of action to combat county drugs lines.

The Bedfordshire Police crackdown included charging two men suspected of being at the head of two separate drugs lines in the county.

Last week’s series of operations began with a warrant conducted at an address in the Stopsley area of Luton.

Officers found items including cannabis, materials associated with drug dealing and a burner mobile phone.

A man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply and possession of cannabis, as well as possession of criminal property.

Officers arrested another man in his 20s on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, possession of cannabis and use of threatening behaviour to cause harassment.

A second warrant was executed in Luton on Friday (13 October), resulting in five arrests. Money, mobile phones and an offensive weapon were also seized from the property.

A man in his 40s has since been charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and possession of an offensive weapon.

One vulnerable adult was safeguarded, and a partial closure order was implemented on the address.

Bedfordshire Police also targeted criminals exploiting major road and rail networks to commit serious crime.

This resulted in six arrests and nine vehicle stops in which drugs were seized, in and around the town. Four vehicles and one weapon were taken off the streets over a three-day period in October.

Detective Inspector Ali Whitworth said: “County lines gangs fuel violence and the exploitation of our young people. They are criminals who plague our streets with illicit drugs and destroy countless lives.

“Our commitment remains to protect those who are being exploited by organised crime. We will relentlessly pursue drug dealers and do our bit to take down every county line we encounter.”

Across the Eastern region, 132 people were safeguarded, including 35 children, thanks to the efforts of different police forces.

To find out what the signs to spot that may indicate someone is involved in county lines, visit the Bedfordshire Police website. Exploitation, coercion and violence are cornerstones of the county lines trade.