Week of action by Suffolk Police results in 19 arrests concerning threat of illegal drugs

Suffolk Constabulary has taken part in a national week of action against the on-going threat of County Lines.

County lines is a term used to describe gangs and organised criminal networks involved in exporting illegal drugs within the UK.

The gang establishes a drug market in a rural town, with origins to an urban city location with mobile phones frequently used to facilitate the drug deals. They are likely to exploit children and vulnerable adults to move and store the drugs and money and they will often use coercion, intimidation, violence and weapons.

During the week, Suffolk Constabulary along with other forces conducted arrests and warrants, organising dedicated patrols, gathering intelligence across the county to ensure that the force continues to make Suffolk a hostile environment for criminals to operate in.

As part of the week of action officers made 19 arrests. These include nine arrests in connection with offences relating to possession of drugs with intent to supply, four arrests of possession of a firearm with intent and two arrests of possession of an offensive weapon.

Police also recovered around 150 wraps of class A drugs and seized four weapons – two knives and two suspected firearms. Around £3,500 in cash was also seized in the various operations and warrants conducted over the past week.

Supt. Kerry Cutler said: “This week of action has demonstrated how determined we are to root out the scourge of drugs from our communities. During 2017 and 2018 (up to end of June) the force made 933 arrests in relation to the supply of controlled drugs. In 2018, 141 of these were in relation to possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

“In essence, although this week saw more dedicated activity, it is important to recognise that that our work to address the issue of ‘county lines’ and drug supply is something we tackle all year round.  We have seen positive results under the Velocity banner in recent months but arrests are only one small part of the work we do.

“Our Youth Gang Prevention Team have been working closely with partners to prevent young people becoming involved in gangs.  Over the summer period (June to September) the team have undertaken 31 visits to schools, 132 engagements visits to young people (where they and families are signposted to places for help) and made 31 safeguarding referrals.

“Elsewhere, last month three men were jailed for a combined total of just over 30 years for their involvement in the supply of Class A drugs in Ipswich, while in August three other men were sentenced to over 11 years in jail for class A drug offences – in both cases the offenders had strong links to London.

“As I have said previously policing alone will not solve the issue of drug addiction and we need to ensure everyone is playing their part to protect the community from drugs

“We want to help those vulnerable members of the community, who get caught-up in this kind of activity to support their habit and break the cycle. It is about ensuring the next generation can grow up in a safe county without fear of violence or intimidation.”

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