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The Metropolitan Police has successfully dismantled over 100 active county lines in a sweeping, week-long operation targeting organised crime gangs (OCGs) across London and beyond.
Between Monday 23 June and Sunday 29 June, Met officers:
- Arrested 301 people linked to county lines operations
- Charged 111 suspects so far
- Safeguarded 260 vulnerable individuals, including children and at-risk adults
The crackdown focused on reducing drug-related violence and protecting vulnerable people from criminal exploitation.
What Are County Lines?
County lines refers to drug dealing operations where gangs use dedicated phone lines to traffic drugs—often from urban centres like London into rural areas and small towns. This criminal model is notorious for:
- Extreme violence
- The use of children and vulnerable adults as drug couriers
- “Cuckooing” – taking over someone’s home to use as a drug hub
Key Seizures and Arrests
During the enforcement week, officers recovered:
- 12 firearms
- 78 dangerous weapons, including samurai swords and Zombie knives
- Nearly 70kg of Class A drugs, including crack cocaine and heroin
- Over £600,000 in cash
In one major bust on Thursday 26 June, officers shut down a line between London and Hampshire, arresting four suspects:
- One suspect in Isle of Dogs was found with Class A and B drugs, over £5,000 in cash, and luxury items including designer watches and sports cars
- Two were arrested in Portsmouth
- One was detained at London Gatwick Airport
Charges have since been brought in relation to the arrests.
Safeguarding the Vulnerable
Of the 260 individuals engaged, many were young people at risk of:
- Drug exploitation
- Coercion through debt
- Homelessness or being groomed by gangs
Officers made direct interventions to keep them safe and divert them from criminal pathways.
Police Statement
Detective Superintendent Dan Mitchell, from the Metropolitan Police and National County Lines Coordination Centre, said:
“Disrupting county lines is not only vital in keeping society’s most vulnerable safe, but also a key part of our mission in tackling violence.
The criminals behind these networks are dangerous and manipulative. Dedicated Met officers are working closely with police forces across the country to stop them.”
How to Get Help or Report Concerns
To learn more about county lines and how to spot the signs of exploitation, visit the Met Police advice page on county lines.
If you believe someone may be a victim of county lines or is being exploited:
- Call police on 101
- In an emergency, dial 999
- Or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
