POLICE in Shropshire took part in an operation to tackle ‘County Lines’ in the area in a special operation last week.

The six-day operation between Monday, December 4 and Friday, December 9, officers across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire targeted gangs who attempted to bring drugs and weapons into the area.

Operation Radar was a coordinated effort by local policing teams, force intelligence teams and Operational Policing Units (OPU), to disrupt drug dealers bringing drugs and weapons in from different areas of the United Kingdom.

A spokesman for West Mercia Police said: “Officers actively patrolled our road networks and tracked known drug dealers as they attempted to re-supply their drugs and bring them back into our three counties. 

“During the six-day period, we arrested four individuals – one on possession of Class A drugs, two concerned with the supply of Class A drugs, and another who was wanted for dangerous driving.

“We seized a quantity of Class A drugs, four mobile telephones, one Stanley knife, two vehicles and over £1,000 in cash.

Border Counties Advertizer:

“Significantly disrupted drug lines entering our three counties.”

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Wall said: “Op Radar is a great example of cross-directorate activity targeting County Lines drug dealing.

“We will continue to relentlessly pursue those involved in using the Strategic Road Network to bring drugs into our communities.

“It is important to remember that while an initiative such as Op Radar highlights a specific activity, day in and day out, our officers and staff are working hard and often in dangerous situations to tackle county lines gangs.”

John Campion, Police and Crime Commissioner said: “I hear regularly from communities about the damage too often caused by criminals coming into West Mercia and supplying drugs, carrying weapons and exploiting young people.

“I welcome this proactive work by West Mercia Police to disrupt county lines gangs.

“As PCC, I will continue to back the force with the resources and tools it needs to build a safer West Mercia, as part of my Safer West Mercia Plan."

If you have suspicion that someone is selling drugs, or a vulnerable person is being used by county lines drug dealers to sell drugs for them, you can report it to police through www.westmercia.police.uk or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.