Sniffer dogs and knife arches were used in a stop and search operation to disrupt drugs gangs who use the railways.
British Transport Police and Lancashire Police joined forces at Preston Railway Station over the course of two days.
Seven men and two women were arrested at the city’s station for possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
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A further two men were arrested for being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and another man arrested on suspicion of robbery and another for breaching a court order.
Police also stopped and arrested a 16-year-old boy for possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and a 17-year-old boy was arrested for supplying Class A drugs.
Visits and searches of properties linked to cuckooing and child exploitation also took place in Preston and Blackpool – at four addresses – after information obtained from the police’s stops and searches at the railway station.
The police operation on 14 and 15 October took place as part of work to disrupt ‘county lines’ drugs gangs who move drugs between towns and cities across Lancashire and the wider North West. A video was released by police showing the stop and searches which took place across Preston and Blackpool.
Detective superintendent David Udomhiaye, BTP County Lines Taskforce, said: “This operation demonstrates the power of partnership working in tackling the harm caused by County Lines.
“Drugs are inextricably linked to violence, exploitation and misery in our communities. By targeting transport routes and working closely with local police and safeguarding teams, we’re able to disrupt criminal networks and protect vulnerable individuals.”
Detective superintendent Lukmaan Mulla from Lancashire Police said: “County Lines networks continue to exploit vulnerable individuals and bring drug dealing and violence into our communities.
“Supporting operations like this one demonstrates our commitment to working across borders and agencies to disrupt criminal activity and those intent on committing crime in Lancashire.
“Together, we will continue to tackle drug crime and safeguard those at risk, sending out a clear message that it is not welcome in Lancashire.”
Anyone with information about County Lines activity is urged to text BTP on 61016 or call 0800405040. Information can be given anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800555111.
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