FIVE people were arrested and large amount of illegal drugs, mobile phones and bundles of cash were seized during a raid on a County Lines gang in Coventry.
A 40-year-old woman was held on suspicion of various drug offences, along with three men, aged 40, 19 and 18, and a 16-year-old boy.
They have been released under investigation while a more detailed probe is carried out into their criminal activity.
The swoop has prompted a warning to other criminals that – over the festive season – there will be no let-up by the police in their work to tackle serious organised criminality – not even today on Christmas Day.
Ch Insp Paul Southern, who is responsible for organised crime policing across the city, said: “The operation was the result of a long-term investigation and collaboration between many different police forces and agencies.”
Coventry Police worked with colleagues in British Transport Police, Thames Valley Police and Warwickshire Police to execute the warrants on Wednesday and lots of specialist officers were involved too.
Ch Insp Southern added: “County Lines is not something that we can, or do, tackle alone.
“We continually work in partnership with other forces and many other organisations to ensure that all the tools at our disposal are utilised in our efforts to monitor and disrupt County Line drug dealers.
“It’s completely despicable to coerce and persuade children and vulnerable people into undertaking risky activity, and our determination to bring the gangs responsible to justice continues 365 days a year.”
Anyone who suspects drug-dealing in their community should message officers via live chat at west-midlands.police.uk or by calling 101.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
For more information, help and support on County Lines and exploitation, visit the Fearless website.
