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A national week of action to target drug dealing, disrupt the supply of drugs and raise awareness of Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) known as County Lines Intensification Week took place between Monday 23 and Sunday 29 June.
A variety of planned activity was carried out which resulted in:
Collaborative work was carried out by the force and partners including the DVLA, immigration, HMRC, environmental health, trading standards and licensing which resulted in the seizure of more than 500 packs of counterfeit rolling tobacco, illicit vapes laced with drugs as well as counterfeit clothing and electrical goods.
The force and partner CCE campaign, ‘Don’t Play Their Game’ which supports young people in understanding criminal exploitation and promotes looking out for behaviours which could involve criminality was promoted on digital bus stops in Leicester city centre along with a digital ad-van which visited pre-planned routes within the Hinckley area.
The campaign launched at the end of last year and aims to reach youth audiences to direct them to the Live Safe website - a place where young people can seek information and advice on topics such as knife crime, exploitation and gangs.
This operation was supported by Home Office surge funding via the National County Lines Coordination Centre.
County Lines is the term used to describe drug dealing where mobile phones are used to supply drugs from large cities to towns and rural areas. County Lines are run by ‘line holders’ and the runners, often vulnerable people, deliver the drugs. This system of drug distribution can lead to serious violence and exploitation.
Overseeing the week of activity was Detective Chief Inspector Simon Pearson. Simon said: “This intensive week of action has generated impressive results; well done to all involved within Leicestershire Police and our partners. This collaborative work tackles crimes and keeps our communities safe.
“The week of intensification has had a significant impact on drug supply in the force area. County Lines drug dealing is linked to serious violence and as a force we take a prevention-first approach to tackle the issue. The safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults takes place during this week of activity, but also during every other day of the year.
“Our continual pursuit of offenders is relentless to ensure those responsible for violence and exploitation are bought to justice.”
Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews said: “We have a clear responsibility to do everything we can to protect children and vulnerable adults from those who seek to exploit them for criminal purposes. I have always believed that the best way to do this is prevention and wholeheartedly support the force’s campaign to educate and raise awareness of County Lines.
“It’s clear that this operation has been a success, but I want to stress that proactive work is taking place all year round across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to tackle this abhorrent problem.”
Where to go for help and advice
To find out more about county lines visit: https://www.leics.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/cl/county-lines/