Inside West Yorkshire’s crackdown on drug gangs with 250 arrests in one year
Specialist team aims to crackdown on gangs exploiting vulnerable people across the region
A specialist West Yorkshire police taskforce has made 250 arrests and shut down 180 county lines in its first year.
The team of officers, which was formed in October last year, have also seized 128 kilos of drugs and more than £136,000 in cash as their work looks to crackdown on gangs exploiting vulnerable people.
West Yorkshire Police said officers have made 250 arrests, charged 180 people, with a further 98 line holders charged and awaiting court.
Over 70 knives have also been recovered and 159 referrals to safeguarding and charities have been made.
Detective Inspector Helen Chapman, who leads the team, said: “Since forming a year ago, the dedicated team has made huge steps in our commitment to tackling county lines criminality across West Yorkshire.
“County lines gangs often exploit children and vulnerable adults, using manipulation, coercion, and violence to facilitate drug supply and generate profit.
“By combining enforcement activity with safeguarding and partnership interventions, the team has a coordinated response to protect vulnerable people, disrupt organised crime groups and strengthen community safety.
“While there is more work to do, the achievements of the past year demonstrate the work we are doing to protect our communities from exploitation and serious organised crime.”
Reports can be made online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat.
There is also a specific online reporting form for reporting drug use or drug dealing at https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/report-it/report-drug-use-drug-dealing