Twelve people arrested yesterday as part of county lines week of action

By Jamie Hill - 23 January 2020

Crime

Cash, drugs and weapons have been seized and 12 more people arrested yesterday (22/01) as officers tackle county lines drugs gangs in Swindon.

The raids have been carried out as part of Operation Samphire, a week of action targeting drug networks across the town. 



Yesterday’s arrests take the total arrests this week to 33, including three arrests which weren’t drug related but were carried out by officers involved in the week of action yesterday.



Details of yesterday’s arrests are as follows:



A 37-year-old woman from Swindon on suspicion of supply of class A drugs

A 24-year-old man from Swindon on suspicion of supply of class A drug and possession of class B

A 25-year-old man from Dagenham on suspicion of supply of class A drugs

A 25-year-old man from Swindon on suspicion of supply of class A drugs

A 37-year-old woman from Swindon on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs

A 19-year-old man from Swindon on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs

A 16-year-old boy from Swindon on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs

A 42-year-old man from Swindon on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs

A 32-year-old man from Swindon on suspicion of supply of class A drugs

A 14-year-old boy from the Warminster area on suspicion of supply of class A drugs

A 25-year-old man from Swindon on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class B drugs.

A 15-year-old boy from Swindon on suspicion of concerned in the supply of class A drugs.



The majority of those arrested remain in custody at Gablecross for further questioning. 



Det Insp Paul Franklin, who is leading the week of action, said: “Once again, we’ve had another successful day in Swindon. The teams of officers involved have dedicated a huge amount of time and resource into these warrants which have continued yesterday. They’ve also been carrying out a lot of proactive work which has led to a number of arrests.



“During a search of an address in Victoria Road yesterday there was clear evidence of class A drugs being prepared throughout the house ready for supply to users within our communities.



“During the arrest of a 16-year-old at a separate location, we seized a large number of items including a knife, an imitation firearm, and a number of mobile phones and drugs. He is one of three youths arrested today as part of our operation which I am sure will cause concern amongst the public. Please be reassured that we are working closely with partner agencies including the local authority, schools and colleges to focus on prevention and protection in a bid to stop the exploitation of these young people who we are seeing getting caught up with drug networks. This partnership work is key to ensuring we are all playing our part in tackling county lines, as we simply cannot do it alone.



“I hope our work this week is providing some reassurance to the law abiding people within our communities that we will take action against those involved in the supply of illegal drugs in our county – although it may initially appear that no action has been taken immediately after you report concerns or intelligence, this is not the case. Operations of this nature take a huge amount of background planning over several months, and this includes gathering intelligence from the community over a period of time before we can take effective action.”



This week’s operation falls under Project Optimise – Wiltshire Police's collaborative approach to Serious and Organised Crime in Wiltshire and Swindon. This incorporates many areas of the demand we see on a daily basis, including county lines, modern slavery and child sex abuse. in the supply of class A drugs are put before the courts for their actions.



If you suspect drug activity in your neighbourhood, call us on 101.



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Here are some common signs to look out for which could indicate that a person is involved in County Lines and possible drug dealing:



- Change in mood and/or demeanour (e.g. secretive/ withdrawn/ aggressive/ emotional)

- Substance misuse and/or drug paraphernalia

- Changes in the way they dress

- Unexplained, sometimes unaffordable new things (e.g clothes, jewellery, cars etc)

- Young people going missing, maybe for long periods of time

- Young people seen in different cars/taxis driven by unknown adults

- Young people seeming unfamiliar with your community or where they are

- Truancy, exclusion, disengagement from school

- An increase in anti-social behaviour in the community

- Unexplained injuries



Vulnerable people can also have their homes taken over by drug gangs as bases to stash and deal drugs. Known as ‘drug dens’ ‘crack houses’ ‘trap houses’ or 'cuckooed' properties. The occupant is effectively just a host for the strangers who knock on the door at any hour and only useful for as long as the property doesn’t come to police notice.



Here are some signs to look out for:



Other people seen inside the house or flat who don’t normally live there

People coming and going from the property at all hours

More taxis and cars than usual appearing at the property

Not seeing the person who lives there as frequently

When you do see the occupant, they may appear anxious or distracted

Seeing drugs paraphernalia near to the property



If you have information about drug dealing in your area there are options available for reporting. You can call us on 101 or 999 in an emergency or go to www.wiltshire.police.uk where you can report anonymously.



Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit the young people's website Fearless.org

 

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