A number of arrests were made, and Class A drugs and weapons were seized last week as North Wales Police took part in the national County Lines Intensification Week (CLIW).

The operation that ran saw focussed and coordinated action against County Lines criminality, as well as safeguarding vulnerable victims. Police forces across the country have taken part in the national CLIW, cracking down on drug traffickers.

County Lines is the term used to describe drug dealing where mobile phones are used to supply drugs from large cities to towns and rural areas. County Lines are run by ‘Line Holders’ and the runners, often vulnerable people, deliver the drugs. The system of drug distribution leads to serious violence and exploitation.

Highlights across North Wales included 14 arrests related to County Line activity, 2 numbers closed, 3 vulnerable/potentially exploited people safeguarded and  Class A drugs and weapons seized from street dealers.

Chief Inspector Jon Aspinall said: “Last week’s activity was just a snapshot of the work we do across the force to tackle County Lines gangs who exploit the most vulnerable people in our communities, including children and young people, to store and sell drugs.

“They are intimated, coerced, threatened and often subject to violence. However, we cannot stop this criminality alone and your information is crucial in allowing us to keep on closing down these drug lines. It’s vital that everyone who cares for or knows young and vulnerable people understands the issue and knows the warning signs.

“Together we will continue to make North Wales a hostile environment to those who seek to engage in criminal activity.”