Eleven County Lines drug networks were shut down in Surrey during a national week of action, according to a Surrey Police press release.

A Surrey Police spokesperson said: “Eleven County Lines drug networks were dismantled in Surrey during national County Lines Intensification Week, which ran between 2-8 March.

“County lines is a term used for organised illegal drug-dealing networks who move drugs between areas using dedicated phone lines, often relying on violence, exploitation and the coercion of vulnerable people, including children, to run their operations.

“Led by the National County Lines Coordination Centre (NCLCC), Surrey joined up with neighbouring forces to conduct targeted activity combining enforcement, safeguarding, and partnership work with charities and local agencies.

“The latest week of targeted action in Surrey saw some of the best results to date:

Enforcement

28 arrests
11 drug lines shut down
Approximately £28,000 cash seized
0.44g of Class A drugs (141g crack, 16g heroin, 14g cocaine)
1.25Kg cannabis seized
1.63g fentanyl
7.02g ketamine
Eight weapons – including knifes, machete and swords – removed from streets
Two firearms seized
Assets seized – designer goods including luxury watches

“Various engagement events took place across the week, including:

Bespoke county drugs line training delivered to safeguarding leads from 151 schools in Surrey
Hotspot and high visibility patrols undertaken across the county
Engagement stands at schools and town centres
260+ pupils engaged with at schools across Surrey
Previous cuckooed properties visited
Multiple hotels visited with education provided to staff
Two closure orders granted in Woking and Leatherhead
Multiple partner based proactive operations in Epsom, HMP Highdown and Guildford Railway
Gaming van deployed at multiple venues as a form of engagement with young persons and parents

County line and drug harm coordinator, Alex Gillot, said: “This was the 16th occasion we have concentrated resources to the dedicated week of action to tackle County Drugs lines and associated harm.

“County Lines have a devastating impact on communities which brings serious harm to people, not just through the supply of drugs, but also the associated violence and exploitation.

“Work continues throughout the year to disrupt and dismantle County lines, but it is advantageous to also focus a national intensive response.

"This week saw that strong commitment to identify, arrest and prosecute offenders and provide avenues for education and prevention.”