Ilkeston was one of a number of Derbyshire locations to be targeted by police officers during a week-long operation to target county lines drug dealing.
Derbyshire Constabulary joined police forces from across the UK as part of County Lines Intensification Week with the aim of disrupting the activity of those drugs dealers and their networks who target and exploit the most vulnerable members of society.
A total of twelve warranted were carried out, with others in the Peak District, and a total of 17 arrests made.
Crack cocaine, cocaine, heroin and cannabis was seized with a total potential combined street value of almost £9,000, along with more than £5,500 in cash, four weapons including two imitation firearms, an axe and a taser as well as three lucrative, dedicated, drugs lines.
Officers carried out 46 ‘cuckooing’ and vulnerability checks, and safeguarded six adults and eight children who were believed to have been exploited by county lines drug dealing gangs.
Safer Neighbourhood and Youth Engagement Teams carried out patrols and leaflet drops in hotspot areas, gave presentations in schools and visited businesses to raise awareness and to see if they could spot the signs of exploitation.
The activity was co-ordinated by the NPCC-led National County Lines Coordination Centre (NCLCC), and especially saw close work with Greater Manchester Police and British Transport Police.
Temporary Detective Inspector Kane Martin, from the Child Exploitation team, said: “As a result of our action during County Lines Intensification Week thousands of pounds worth of drugs have been removed from the market and potentially dangerous weapons taken off the streets as well as several dedicated County Lines which have brought misery to communities of Derbyshire.”
“We arrested 17 people and have already bought some successful charges for drug supply and firearms offences.”
Temp. DI Martin added: “Our work to disrupt County Lines in Derbyshire continues throughout the year, but during these national weeks of action we intensify our work with partnership agencies and other police forces to target these organised networks and raise awareness of the issues locally.
“The issue brings so much misery to our communities, and some of our more vulnerable members are often preyed upon by others who exploit them for their own criminal gain.
“I hope that our residents are reassured by our ongoing efforts and ongoing work and would encourage people to continue to provide their support by reporting any suspicious activity or information about suspected illegal drug activity in their neighbourhood.”
If you are concerned about drug-related crime in your area, or if you think someone may be a victim of drug exploitation, please contact us on the details below:
- Facebook– send a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary
- X (Twitter)– direct message the contact centre on @DerPolContact
- Website– complete the online contact form at derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.
- Phone – call 101
You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org
More information on County Lines and the signs you can look out for that may show someone is involved are available on the Police website.