EXCLUSIVE: County lines drug dealing a "fact of life"
Top police officer says arrests are being made everyday- amid big crackdown on problem
Last updated 2nd Nov 2021
One of North Yorkshire Police's top officers says county lines drug dealing has become "a fact of life" for the county.
Police have warned criminals are exploiting vulnerable people- some just 13-years-old- to sell drugs to people in North Yorkshire.
Gangs from Leeds and Manchester are also taking over the houses of drug users to use as bases in a practice known as "cuckooing".
The shocking revelations come as the force says it's made 20 arrests in just one week- and seized thousands of pounds worth of heroin, cocaine, cannabis and pregabalin.
They've carried out raids in Harrogate, York, Thirsk, Scarborough, Whitby as well as making arrests on the A1.
A growing problem for the region
Detective superintendent Steve Thomas said it's a growing problem for the county and that arrests are being made "every day."
He's told Greatest Hits Radio that drug dealers are looking for "vulnerable people" to take on the risk and keep themselves protected.
DS Thomas admits it's become a "never-ending" battle for the county, amid a massive national crackdown on the problem.
Chief Inspector Lorraine Crossman-Smith coordinated North Yorkshire Police’s participation in the week of intensification.
She said: “Disrupting drug dealing and the associated violence and exploitation continues to be a major priority for North Yorkshire Police."
“The week of intensification has given us an opportunity to demonstrate the type of work that goes on around the force on a daily basis."
What is county lines drug dealing?
The National Crime Agency says county lines drug dealing is where drugs are "brought over" from one area to another.
That often crosses police lines, and usually involves young children or vulnerable people who've been coerced into moving and storing drugs and money.
The name county lines comes from the phone lines that are used by gangs to sell the drugs to new customers.
They'll set up dedicated phone lines and text 'menus' out to potential buyers, who'll then meet up with dealers.
What is 'Cuckooing'?
'Cuckooing' is a term often seen in county lines reports, and describes a specific exploitation of vulnerable people.
Gangs will often take over the houses of young people and drug users, and use them as bases for their local operations.
A gang might offer drugs to a user to allow their dealers- called 'runners'- to stay there.
Often it can lead to homes being left wrecked by criminal damage.
Police carried out more than 80 welfare checks in North Yorkshire between the 17th- 22nd May, on 95 suspecting victims of cuckooing.
What to do if you're concerned
The National Crime Agency says the best thing is to "trust your instincts" and raise any suspicions with police.
Signs to look out for could include lots of new visitors coming to someone's house, a change in mood or young people who are unfamiliar with the area.
North Yorkshire Police are urging everyone to be on the lookout for signs of county lines dealing in the region and to contact them on 101 with any concerns.