Three arrested in county lines operation

Three people have been arrested in early-morning warrants as part of an operation to tackle county lines.

Operation Adelaide saw officers carry out two warrants in Caerphilly and Cardiff today in connection with an investigation into the supply of class A drugs.

A 52-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man, both from Caerphilly, were arrested on suspicion of:

• being concerned in the supply of heroin
• being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine
• conspiracy to supply crack cocaine
• being concerned in the supply of a class C drug.

A 32-year-old man from Caerphilly was also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply crack cocaine. All three are in police custody.

A quantity of drugs, cash, high-value bikes, a moped and multiple phones were seized during the operation.

PC Rhys Jones, who led the operation, said:

“Today’s activity is one of the ways in which we are tackling county lines and its associated criminality. We are committed to protecting those at risk from exploitation and making Gwent a hostile environment for those seeking to do harm.

“The public have an important role to play in providing information that can assist us in dismantling county lines drugs lines and safeguarding vulnerable individuals. I would urge anyone with any information about drug dealing in the community to report it to us, so we can take action.

“If you have concerns that someone you know is being exploited or you have concerns about drug dealing, then please call us on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

County lines is a drugs distribution model using mobile phones where drugs are exported from one area to another, often using vulnerable adults and children.

What are the key signs a young person could be at risk of exploitation?

• Going missing from school or home
• Significant changes in their emotional well-being
• Meeting unfamiliar people
• Changes in their behaviour
• The use of drugs and alcohol
• Acquiring money or expensive gifts they can’t account for
• Relationships with controlling or older individuals or associated with gangs
• Suspicion of self-harm, physical assault or unexplained injuries

If you are a young person who is worried about being involved in county lines, or know someone who is, you can speak to an adult and let them know how you feel.

You can also contact www.fearless.org who allow you to pass on information about crime anonymously. You can contact Childline on 0800 1111 – they are a private and confidential service where you can talk to counsellors about anything that is worrying you.

For more information and advice visit https://www.gwent.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/caa/child-abuse/child-criminal-exploitation/