Thames Valley Police arrested 98 people last week as they battle county lines drug dealing.

From October 9 to 15, the force focussed on disrupting drug dealers who exploit communities and the vulnerable.

This action, coordinated by the National County Lines Coordination Centre, forms part of the Stronghold campaign aiming to counter serious organised crime across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire.

County lines drug dealing involves organised crime groups moving and supplying drugs through phone lines, typically from larger cities to smaller towns, often exploiting children and those struggling with addiction or mental health issues.

This week saw the arrest of 98 individuals, with over 40 charged, 30 safeguarded, and 40 taken-over addresses visited.

Seizures included 1,200 wraps of cocaine, heroin and crack, and 1,100 cannabis plants.

Weapons, including a baseball bat and various knives, were recovered, along with £67,000 cash and 121 mobile phones.

This operation provided helpful intelligence further aiding the fight against county drug lines.

Police engagement with various institutions such as schools, football clubs, landlords, taxis and hotels also took place, exemplifying their commitment to community safety.

Detective Chief Inspector Lee Newman-West of Thames Valley Police, said: “We are working harder than ever to crack down on county lines, which bring misery to communities in the form of drug dealing and violence.

“There is a county lines lead in all 43 police forces, working to identify new ways to crack down on this abhorrent crime. The technical abilities available to us, and knowledge that has been gathered in previous weeks of action, mean county lines are no longer a low risk and high reward enterprise.

“We are dedicated to bringing those responsible for violence and exploitation to justice. We will use all avenues available to us, including increased use of Modern Slavery legislation to target line holders.

“County lines have adapted their approaches after relentless pressure from police forces on their illegal activities by targeting the vulnerable in different areas of the country to run drugs for them. We will continue to adapt our approaches to shut down the lines and target line holders in equal parts as safeguarding victims.”

James Simmonds-Read, National Programme Manager at The Children’s Society, said: “Criminals groom young people in person or online and use terrifying threats and violence to force them into crimes such as carrying drugs and fraud or exploiting them sexually. 

“This Awareness Week we want to highlight how exploitation can happen to any young person, anywhere, and as the nights draw in, we especially urge people to spot the signs of exploitation in public places after dark. 

“Young people can be targeted at fast food outlets, forced to travel on trains and in taxis late at night, and are abused behind closed doors, in hotels and holiday lets.

“Whether you are on a night out, commuting home, staying overnight for a business trip, or working as a driver or in customer service, you could be the one that gets help."

Call the police on 101 or 999 if there is an immediate risk. If on a train text British Transport Police on 61016. Alternatively, you can contact the NSPCC for advice on 0808 800 5000.