County Lines Intensification Week makes significant dent in organised crime

16 individuals suspected of being involved in County Lines drug dealing and the exploitation of children into organised crime were arrested last week (Monday 11th – Sunday 17th October) as part of a national week of intensification.

During this operation, we also seized almost £28,000 worth of drugs, primarily cocaine and cannabis, £42,000 in cash and £4,000 in designer assets thought to have been bought using money made drug dealing.

Primarily the operation was targeting those causing significant harm to communities through their illegal activities, but we also visited a large number of vulnerable people at risk of ‘cuckooing’ and continued to proactively engage with people in communities, be it adults who may have information to assist our investigations, or children around the risks and dangers of organised crime. This engagement included visits to local schools.

Detective Chief Inspector Iain Pottage, force lead for County Lines, said: “Whilst we target organised criminals on a daily basis, weeks like these allow us to intensify our disruption and have a large impact in a shorter space of time.

“It’s really important we take these people off our streets, as at the heart of County Lines drugs operations are exploited children or vulnerable adults that need removing from those situations and protecting from further harm.

“It’s also important we’re taking dangerous substances out of our communities, not only because these are illegal, but as drug dealing often comes with violence, disorder and anti-social behaviour.

“I would like to once again thank the public for their support, as without community information, we couldn’t have the impact we have. We continue to take all reports of child criminal exploitation and drug activity seriously and would encourage anyone with any information that could assist us to call our 101 number or Crimestoppers anonymous service on 0800 555 111.

“Investigations relating to organised crime can be lengthy and complex and enforcement may not be taken immediately, but I would like to reassure you that everything we receive helps us to build a bigger picture and ultimately bring people to justice.”

Highlights

• Two women, Katie Robinson (31) and Katie Carroll (36), both of Spring Bank West, Hull have been charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, namely heroin and crack cocaine, and possession of criminal property after being arrested on Pease Street and St Lukes Street respectively on Tuesday 12 October. They have both been remanded into custody to appear in Hull Crown Court on Wednesday 10 November, following a first court appearance in Hull Magistrates on Wednesday 13 October.
   
• Six men and a woman have been charged with a number of offences including being concerned in the supply of Class A (cocaine) and Class B (cannabis) drugs, possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs and possession of criminal property (namely cash). These individuals appeared in Hull Magistrates Court on Saturday 16 October and were remanded into custody awaiting a next court date. These arrests were as a result of a number of warrants primarily in Bridlington and Bradford. Those charged are:
  • Michael Day, 41 of Cliff Street, Bridlington
  • Mark Falkingham, 42 of Cliff Street, Bridlington
  • Neil Wright, 39 of Cliff Street, Bridlington
  • Ella Lee, 38 of Speeton, Filey
  • Rory Simpson, 32 of Miles Hill Crescent, Bradford
  • John Davies, 28 of Flockton Avenue, Bradford
  • Matthew Butters, 38 of Scholes Street, Bradford
• A 50-year-old man has been charged with possession of heroin following a warrant on Durban Road, Grimsby on Wednesday 13 October. He has been bailed to appear in Grimsby Magistrates Court on Wednesday 26 October.