In the know

County Lines Intensification Week

Dear resident,

Another successful County Lines Intensification Week has come to an end.

From Monday, 23 June, to Monday, 30 June, teams across the Force were out and about cracking down on drug-related crime.

But what is County Lines?

County Lines is defined as a gang or organised criminal network involved in moving illegal drugs into other locations, using dedicated mobile phone lines or other form of deal line.  They are likely to exploit children and vulnerable adults to transport and store drugs and money, and will often use coercion, intimidation and violence (including sexual violence) and the use of weapons.

Disrupting those involved in this type of criminality remains a vital priority for Surrey Police given the devastating impact that drugs have on our communities.

There was plenty of proactive activity during the week which resulted in:

 - 6 warrants

 - 16 arrests

 - 28 charges following arrest

 - 61 stop searches

 - 51 vehicle stops

 - 3 knives and 1 imitation firearm seized

 - 122 grams of cocaine, 51.01 grams of crack cocaine, 34.05 grams of heroin, 25.1 grams cannabis, and one Nitrous Oxide canister seized

 - 12 cuckooed properties visited

 - 7 deal lines seized

 - £8,400 cash seized

 - £8,000 of illegal vapes and counterfeit tobacco seized

One motorbike, one car and one electric bicycle seized

Throughout the week, officers were busy carrying out engagement activity to educate the public including at medical centres, council offices and shopping centres as well as providing advice and guidance to staff at numerous hotels across the county.

These results and engagements are just a snippet of the activity that goes on to tackle County Lines across the county.

Whilst this week of action was very important, our efforts are not restricted to one week, and the work we do to protect Surrey residents continues all year round.

DI Alex Gillott said: ''County Lines gangs prey on young and vulnerable people to coerce them into criminal activity for their own benefit.

“This criminality has a significant impact on the communities we serve, and our top priority remains to ensure the public's safety and to protect the victims of these crimes.

“Our work to combat drug dealing and associated activities continues to be supported by crucial information provided by the public. Any piece of information, no matter how small, can help us build a comprehensive picture and could be the key to dismantling a county line.”

You can report anything you’re concerned about via live chat or the online reporting form on our website. If you don't want to speak to police you can call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always call 999.

For more information on this week of action, please visit our website.