County Lines Intensification Week Roundup
Monday, July 7, 2025
More than 60 arrests and £20,000 seized in Lancashire can only mean one thing … County Lines Intensification Week.
This year, we arrested 69 people and seized £20,422 in cash, and a number of weapons and a quantity of drugs across the county as part of the week of action. We also safeguarded vulnerable people and visited schools and collages to raise awareness of the dangers of county lines.
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.
During the week, 78 mobile phones were seized, as were a quantity of drugs including suspected Ketamine, Crack Cocaine, Heroin and Cocaine.
We also visited more than 50 addresses which were suspected to be used for cuckooing. Cuckooing is a crime where someone’s home is taken over by criminals to prepare or deal drugs.
Det. Ch. Supt. Graham Hill, Lancashire Constabulary’s Head of Crime said: “County Lines crimes and criminals have long term, and devastating consequences for those affected.
“This is just a snapshot of the work we are doing to target these criminals. We will continue to do this and to keep spreading awareness to those who may be vulnerable to county lines so that we can make Lancashire a place these criminals cannot operate in.”
Clive Grunshaw, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire said: "Organised crime and cross-border gangs damage entire communities in Lancashire and across the region. We are driving criminals out of our county, removing drugs off our streets, safeguarding vulnerable people, and ensuring that crime gang suspects are arrested and brought to justice, no matter where they operate.
"We're doing everything we can to effectively disrupt criminal enterprises that span county and national borders. This can include collaboration with the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit, the National Crime Agency, and other forces to dismantle these criminal networks.
“I remain committed to supporting the Constabulary in combatting serious and organised crime, staying one step ahead of offenders and stripping gang members of their assets. This delivers on my Police and Crime Plan priorities, ensuring efficient and effective policing through strong leadership and tough scrutiny."
If you believe that someone may be involved in county lines or other drugs activity, you can report it to us by calling 101. Alternatively, you can report it via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online. If you think someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
