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Drugs Seized and Arrests Made in Connection with Suspected County Lines Drug Dealing

On Saturday (15 December), officers from the Operational Patrol Unit at Warwickshire Police identified a cloned Ford Focus vehicle when it activated Automatic Number Plate Recognition software.

After locating the vehicle on the A45 in Rugby, officers deployed stinger tactics to try to stop the vehicle and its occupants including ‘boxing’ the vehicle in which saw the driver of the Ford Focus ram one of the police cars. Thankfully no one was injured but the police car was severely damaged.

Two people were arrested and cocaine, cannabis, weighing scales and several mobile phones were seized.

A 17-year-old boy from Coventry was arrested on suspicion of possession of class A drugs with intent to supply, possession of class B drugs with intent to supply, taking a vehicle without consent, failure to stop, dangerous driving, driving under the influence of drugs, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance. He has been released under investigation.

A 15-year-old girl from Coventry was arrested on suspicion of possession of class A drugs with intent to supply and possession of class B drugs with intent to supply, but has since been released with no further action.

County lines crime is a term used to describe gangs who transport drugs across counties, from bigger cities into smaller towns and rural areas.

Inspector Ross Campbell from Warwickshire Police said: “Tackling serious and organised crime and county lines drug dealing remains a priority for Warwickshire Police and we will continue to target criminals and disrupt the activity of those who continue to try to deal drugs as we are committed to bringing those responsible to justice.

“I would encourage the public to look out for the signs of county lines drug offences and urge anyone with concerns about the supply of drugs to report it to police. All information, no matter how small, helps us to get a better picture of issues in the area.”

Warwickshire Police continues to promote Protect, a campaign aimed at tackling serious and organised crime in the county and the harm it causes.

This broad-ranging campaign comprises four key areas of activity:

• Pursue – prosecuting and disrupting those involved in SOC

• Prevent – stopping individuals from becoming involved in SOC

• Protect – increased levels of protection against SOC

• Prepare – reducing the impact of SOC where it occurs

For more information go to www.warwickshire.police.uk/protect

For more information about spotting the signs of county lines drug dealing, please visit www.westmidlandsantislavery.org/spot-the-signs/spot-the-signs-county-lines-indicators/

If you have concerns about the use or supply of drugs you can report it on 101. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.