A TOTAL of 37 people in West Yorkshire have been arrested as part of a crackdown on county lines.

Several thousand pounds’ worth of drugs, as well as weapons and cash, were also seized in the operation as officers from Bradford and West Yorkshire Police’s four other districts came together between February 27 and March 5.

Work was taken not just to arrest suspects, but also to safeguard potential victims. 

The 37 arrests were made for a range of offences linked to drugs and modern slavery.

£11,000 worth of cocaine, 1,200 wraps of crack cocaine, 500 wraps of heroin and over 2,400 cannabis plants were seized in the operation, as was cash valued at nearly £186,000.

Five Rolex watches and 100 illegal vapes were also seized.

Weapons including three knives, two axes, a taser and a firearm were also taken off the streets. 

A total of 52 vulnerable people were safeguarded, including 38 people under 18, West Yorkshire Police said.

Officers visited 11 addresses where ‘cuckooing’ – when criminals take over a vulnerable person’s home and use it as a base to deal or keep drugs – was believed to be taking place.

County lines refers to when gangs and criminals transport drugs to other parts of the country, usually from big cities to smaller towns or rural areas, where they perceive there will be less ‘competition’ and an easier market.

The process often involves exploitation, particularly of young people.

Detective Supt Sarah Jones, West Yorkshire Police’s Head of Serious and Organised Crime, said: “Officers from across all of our districts have caused significant disruption to the activities of criminal gangs involved in drugs and exploitation, with a number of arrests and seizures.

“We’ve also engaged with our communities, including young and vulnerable people, to ensure they are informed and educated about the risks involved.

“This all falls under the remit of Programme Precision, West Yorkshire Police’s commitment to tackling all forms of serious organised crime and exploitation.

“Programme Precision aims to prevent people becoming involved in organised crime and pursue those who perpetrate it, while reducing the severe impact that organised criminals have on our communities.

“We will continue to target those involved in the supply of controlled drugs and are committed to protecting the wider community.

“I would urge anyone with information or concerns about organised crime activity to contact West Yorkshire Police. Or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”