County lines: Remaining county lines gangs halved, say police

About 1,000 wraps of heroin and crack cocaine were seized during the operations

About half the remaining county lines drugs networks in Kent have been disrupted after a week of action.

About 1,000 wraps of heroin and crack cocaine were seized and 34 suspects were arrested by Kent Police during the latest operations from 9 to 15 October.

At least 18 county line networks were disrupted in that time, Det Ch Insp Nicola Ross said.

"Anyone who deals in drugs can expect a robust response. Expect to be arrested and put before the courts," she said.

Weapons including firearms, knives and baseball bats were also seized

The latest crackdown means that since 2020 the number of active county lines networks in Kent has fallen more than 50%, from 82 to an estimated 37, Det Ch Insp Ross said.

"This latest week of intensification is in addition to our determined and sustained focus around identifying and tackling those associated with drugs supply and gangs," she said.

"We have dedicated teams of officers, both uniformed and in plain clothes, committed to targeting those responsible for the misery and destruction of lives connected to harmful substances such as heroin and cocaine."

During the latest operation, weapons including firearms, knives and baseball bats were also seized.

Det Sgt James Arnold said: "We've halved the county lines in Kent, but if we take our foot off the gas, they will re-emerge.

"We are not going to stop."

Raids were carried out in Maidstone, Ashford, Chatham and Medway

The operation has resulted in more than 60 charges being brought and several suspects remanded in custody.

Raids were carried out in Maidstone, Ashford, Chatham and Medway.

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