Arrests and warrants issued following week of action over County Lines

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

During the week, Suffolk Constabulary along with other forces conducted arrests and warrants, organising dedicated patrols, and 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 24 arrests for a variety of offences as part of the week’s efforts.

Additionally, the force conducted a wide number of welfare and safeguarding visits to a number of properties, including 10 across Ipswich. These locations have historically been vulnerable to the problems of ‘cuckooing’ where drug dealers befriend or extort a vulnerable person and takes over their property to sell drugs from.

Among the highlights was a warrant conducted in Ipswich where two men were arrested on May 15 in Alderman Park in the town on suspicion with intent to supply after being searched under the misuse of drugs act. A quantity of class A drugs were located on one suspect, including 26 wraps of heroin and 24 wraps of cocaine. Both men were taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning. An 18 year old male and 16 year old male was released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Elsewhere, at a premises on Montgomery Road in the town officers also recovered over 20 wraps of suspected class A drugs as well as a quantity of cannabis. A 36 year old woman was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs, an 18 year old male was also arrested for being concerned in the supply of drugs and a 16 year old male was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply. All three were release under investigation pending further enquiries.

Also in Ipswich officers conducted a search of a premises in Woodbridge Road recovering a quantity of Class A drugs, two knives, a large amount of cash and mobile phones. Officers arrested one male and two females all on suspicion of possession with intent to supply. A 47 year old man, a 21 year old woman and a 17 year old woman were all released under investigation pending further enquiries.

County Policing Commander Chief Supt Tonya Antonis said: “We have conducted some very positive disruption in Suffolk over the past week but it is important people understand that although the past week saw more dedicated activity, we need to recognise that our work to address the issue of ‘county lines’ and drug supply is something we tackle all year round. While the scourge of county lines is a national problem we will continue to do all we can  in identifying and bringing to justice those intent on committing drug related crime in our county and in doing so protecting the vulnerable and our communities.”

Tim Passmore, Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk, said: “This is exactly what we want to see – great proactive work by the Constabulary to protect us from the on-going threat of County Lines. This Illegal drugs trade and associated criminal activity is one of the biggest threats we face in the county. I am very proud to see the impact Suffolk Constabulary – working with the National Crime Agency and neighbouring police forces – is having to bring these criminals to justice.

“Sadly, County Lines are impacting on communities right across the county and we need to work together urgently to fight this.  I would echo the Constabulary’s plea to anyone who notices anything untoward to contact the Constabulary or Crimestoppers.”

Last week’s activity was coordinated by the National County Lines Co-ordination Centre set up by the National Crime Agency and NPCC