Thursday, May 28, 2026
Last Wednesday (May 20) Blackpool’s Neighbourhood Policing Team and British Transport Police’ County Lines Task Force undertook a joint day of action, with the aim of targeting drug supply in the town.
During the day, officers undertook a mix of high visibility and plain clothed patrols across the town centre and around Blackpool North train station to identify and disrupt County Lines drug gangs, while also safeguarding vulnerable individuals at risk of exploitation.
In total, six people were arrested with charges having since been brought against some individuals.
A man in his 20s from Leeds was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs. He has been released on police bail whilst investigations continue.
Darren Shaw (44) of Cardinal Court, Leeds, has been charged with possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A Crack Cocaine and will appear before Preston Crown Court on July 3.
Lennon Cooper (20) of Windmill Road, Leeds, has been charged with possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A Heroin and possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A Crack Cocaine. He will appear before Preston Crown Court on June 19.
A man in his 50s from Blackpool was arrested on suspicion of permitting the use of a premises for supply of drugs. He was later released with no further action.
Two young men aged 17 and 18 from Blackpool and Leeds respectively were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A and have since been released on police bail with conditions.
Neighbourhood Policing Insp Jon Campbell-Smith said:
“We take reports of county lines and drug supply in Blackpool extremely seriously, and I hope this course of action reassures residents that we will respond to their concerns.
“I would urge anyone with concerns or suspicions to continue to report them to us.”
Detective Inspector Brian Buddo, from British Transport Police, added:
“British Transport Police’s County Lines Task Force is working closely with Blackpool Neighbourhood Policing Team to disrupt County Lines, support policing within the town and keep the travelling public safe.
“This ongoing partnership targets those who exploit vulnerable people and seeks to reassure communities that robust action is being taken.”
Operation Warrior is Lancashire Police’s response to tackling serious and organised crime in Lancashire. If you have any suspicions at all you can contact police on 101 or if see a crime in progress or you are worried someone is in danger, call 999. You can also speak to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111.