Intensification Week tackled County Lines drugs gangs across the region – 12 arrested five charged

Message from Humberside Police:

Last week we took part in the national County Lines Intensification Week – during the week we carried out several warrants and arrested 12 people and charged five of them in connection with drug dealing and the exploitation of children into organised crime.

During the week, we also seized over £8,500 worth of drugs, over £7,000 of cash and weapons including a machete.

In addition to the warrants and targeted action the Humberside Police Roads Crime team worked with colleagues in North Yorkshire in arresting four people and seizing, what is thought to be, a stolen car, a quantity of class B drugs, cash and three mobile phones, believed to be used in connection with county lines drug dealing.

Leading the Humberside Police operation was Chief Inspector Chris Swaby, he said, “We target organised crime daily, but weeks like this allow us to intensify our disruption and can have a large impact in a shorter space of time.

“It’s important we take people involved in drug dealing off our streets.  At the core of County Lines drugs operations are exploited children and vulnerable adults that need help to break the chain and be set free from exploitation.

“It’s also imperative that we take dangerous drugs out of our communities, as drug dealing is often accompanied by violence, disorder and anti-social behaviour.

“I would like to once again thank the public for their support, as without information from our communities we couldn’t have the impact we do.

“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.

“Our community policing teams went into schools across the region and also worked alongside partners at British Transport Police and the local authorities to have a presence at train stations across the region.  Young people are often exploited into trafficking drugs from other parts of the country using the rail network. Spotting those children and who may be travelling alone and bringing drugs into our communities are identified and suitable action taken with them to try and tackle the issues further up the county lines ladders.

“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.”

Last week 12 individuals suspected of being involved in County Lines drug dealing and the exploitation of children into organised crime were arrested (Monday 3 to Sunday 9 October) as part of the national week of intensification.

Of the 12 people arrested seven were released as we continue our enquiries and five were charged in connection with the possession and supply of drugs.

A 16-year-old boy from Halton, Runcorn in Cheshire was charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.  He appeared at Grimsby Magistrates Court and was released on conditional bail to appear at Crown Court at a later date.

Callum Blundell, aged 24, from Whitehall, Wingfield, Rotherham was charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.  He appeared at Grimsby Magistrates Court and was remanded into custody to appear at Crown Court at a later date.

Zvinashe Mhere, aged 18, from Manor Park Rise, Sheffield was charged with possession with intent to supply class A drugs. He appeared at Grimsby Magistrates Court and was remanded into custody to appear at Crown Court at a later date.

Mohammed Ismail, aged 22, from Woodside Crescent Bingley was charged with possession with intent to supply class A drugs. He appeared at Grimsby Magistrates Court and was remanded into custody to appear at Crown Court at a later date.

James Michael Austin of Spring Bank, Hull was charged with six counts of shop theft.  He appeared at Hull Magistrates Court and was conditionally bailed to appear at Crown Court at a later date.