County lines crackdown leads to 12 arrests

Norfolk Police took part in a national week of action

Two phone lines have been shut down and twelve people arrested as part of a targeted drug crackdown.

Norfolk Police said it had carried out raids and seized drugs in Norwich, Thetford, King's Lynn and Great Yarmouth in connection with county lines operations.

Weapons and cash were discovered and vulnerable people at risk of exploitation were spoken to, the force added.

Ins Jo Minnis, county lines lead for Norfolk Police, said: "It is important to note this work never stops."

She added: "We have visited a number of homes whose occupants have been or may be victims of cuckooing, which is where vulnerable adults' homes are used as a base for criminal activity.

"We continue to support those affected by drugs and addiction."

County lines refers to when organised criminal groups set up mobile phone ordering lines to supply drugs - usually from cities into smaller towns and rural areas.

According to the National Crime Agency, areas where the drugs are taken to often see "increased levels of violence and weapons-related crimes".

Between 2019 and 2023, Norfolk Police said it had shut down a total of 74 class A drugs lines in Norfolk.

In December, eight people were sentenced for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs in Norwich

During the recent enforcement week, which was part of a national campaign, the force said it had arrested people on suspicion of possession with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of class A and B drugs.

Officers seized crack cocaine, heroin, cannabis, magic mushrooms and MDMA - as well as knives, a hammer and a knuckle duster.

The force said it had also worked with taxi drivers to "ensure they know what to look for and how to report suspicious behaviour".

Taxis are sometimes used by drug dealers to move around the county, a statement from the force added.