38 major drug lines closed last year latest figures show
Main article content
End of year figures (April 2025 to March 2026) show huge success for tackling county lines, including closing 38 drug lines, across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire.
Over the past 12 months, officers have worked tirelessly to identify, disrupt and dismantle organised crime groups (OCGs) operating across the region.
County lines criminality goes beyond drug dealing. The people in OCGs often exploit vulnerable people, including children and those struggling with addiction, by recruiting them to distribute drugs.
The activity destroys lives, fuels violence, and targets those who often most vulnerable. This year’s results show the difference our officers and partners are making every day.
During the last 12-month period officers have:
- Safeguarded 63 people who were vulnerable to exploitation, coercion or harm
- Closed 38 county lines, with line holders arrested and charged and their operations dismantled
- Made 308 arrests and secured 344 charges linked to county lines offending
- Removed more than £2.3 million worth of drugs from circulation, including cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin and cannabis
- Seized £198,170 in cash, preventing criminal profits from being reinvested into further harm
- Recovered 58 weapons, including firearms and bladed items, as well as other dangerous items such as crossbows and axes
- Seized 327 devices, such mobile phones and 36 vehicles used to facilitate criminal activity
Detective Superintendent Tony Garner, the force’s lead for Intelligence and Serious Organised Crime, said: “This work has been intelligence‑led, victim‑focused and supported by collaborative working with the National County Lines Coordination Centre, Crimestoppers and safeguarding partners.“Offenders involved in county lines often come from outside of the force area and target locations to set up their drug dealing in smaller towns and cities. By continuing our relentless efforts to disrupt their activity, we are making our communities a more hostile environment for their criminality.“These results reflect not only enforcement success but also the ongoing commitment to safeguarding.“County lines offenders often prey on children, young adults and vulnerable individuals, using threats, manipulation and violence to control them. Every person safeguarded represents a life redirected away from exploitation.“The public continues to play a vital role. Information from communities helps officers identify emerging lines, spot signs of exploitation and intervene early. Even small pieces of intelligence can make a significant difference.“We remain fully committed to continuing to tackle OCGs and working to make our communities a safer place to live.”
Anyone with suspicions that a property is being used to sell drugs, or that a young and vulnerable individual is involved with county lines drug dealing can report this via our website here.
Information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or online Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers
Here are just some of county lines related operations and results from the last year:
Drugs and weapons taken off our streets in county lines operation | West Mercia Police
Evesham county lines dealer is sentenced | West Mercia Police
County lines drug dealer jailed | West Mercia Police
Head of criminal drug drones gang sentenced to six years | West Mercia Police
Kidderminster drug dealer sentenced to five years | West Mercia Police
Man jailed for selling monkey dust in Telford | West Mercia Police
Notes to editor: We are not able to provide breakdown figures for each county.