Weapons seized and 62 arrested in County Lines raids

Raids have been carried out across Keighley and Skipton over the last month

Swords, a machete and a crossbow have been seized and more than 60 people arrested by police investigating County Lines drugs gangs.

Officers from West and North Yorkshire carried out a series of raids across Keighley and Skipton in recent weeks as part of the operation.

Of those arrested, 31 people have been charged with drug supplying drugs, West Yorkshire Police said

Officers also seized £100,000 in cash and 3kg (6lbs) of cannabis, crack cocaine and heroin.

The arrests follow an 18-month operation into drugs and organised crime in the neighbouring towns

County Lines operations typically involve large quantities of drugs being ferried across regional borders in an effort by criminals to spread their trade and evade capture.

3kg (6lbs) of drugs have been seized as part of the investigation

Det Ch Insp Tom Levitt, of West Yorkshire Police, said: "Through working with our partners throughout this operation we have managed to dismantle more than 20 County Lines from Keighley to Skipton.

"We know the devastation that drugs can have on the community, and I hope this provides reassurance that we are taking this issue seriously with the number of people arrested and charged."

Det Ch Insp Fionna McEwan, from North Yorkshire Police, said: "Being a rural county, North Yorkshire is susceptible to County Lines drug supply networks from neighbouring areas.

"But by working closely with West Yorkshire Police and other forces, we can address the issue proactively and in a way that makes a real difference to our communities."

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