WEST Mercia Police officers in Shropshire plus Herefordshire and Worcestershire have arrested 37 people during the National Crime Agency’s (NCA) co-ordinated week of activity targeting county lines gangs.

County Lines groups travel between urban and county locations on a regular basis to collect drugs and deliver cash, using local properties as a base for their activities by force or coercion referred to as ‘cuckooing’.

A national and regional week of intensification took place between October 11-17 and included the execution of a number of warrants at addresses, various vehicle stops and numerous visits to educational and community venues.

Drugs with an estimated street value of more than £50,000 were seized during the week.

Across the West Mercia policing area weapons including three air-weapons and five knives were confiscated, four vehicles were seized, multiple mobile phones as well as more than £46,000 cash recovered during the week of intelligence led intensified activity.

Where vulnerable people are known to live and potentially be at risk to cuckooing for example, 104 addresses were visited.

Assistant chief constable Damian Barratt said: “Last week’s targeted activity tackling county lines gangs demonstrates how our officers are working tirelessly to disrupt and dismantle drugs supply and protect the young and vulnerable people who are exploited by them in our communities.

“With 37 arrests made, various warrants executed and cars stopped we have significantly disrupted county lines activity across West Mercia.

"Importantly, we have safeguarded a number of vulnerable people.

“County lines continues to remain a priority for West Mercia Police. We want to ensure the region becomes a no go area for travelling criminality.

"We will continue to pursue and prosecute those who bring drugs into our counties, commit violence and exploit vulnerable members of our communities.”

Anyone with suspicions that a property is being used to sell drugs from, or that a young and/ or vulnerable individual may be getting involved with county lines drug dealing is asked to contact their local police station or to ring 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 where the information can be given anonymously.