County Lines Drug Gangs: National Police Operation Avalanche Dismantles 34 Networks
Operation Avalanche has dismantled 34 county lines networks and safeguarded 152 victims. Photo: Reliable News
The National Crime Agency has announced that a coordinated national police operation has dismantled 34 county lines drug trafficking networks, arrested 280 suspects, and safeguarded more than 150 children and vulnerable adults who were being exploited by the gangs.
Operation Avalanche ran for six months across England and Wales and represents the largest ever coordinated action against county lines networks, involving all 43 police forces in England and Wales.
Police seized drugs with a street value of £12.8 million, along with £4.2 million in cash, 73 firearms, and over 600 mobile phones used to run the drug lines. NCA Director General Steve Rodhouse described the results as exceptional.
A central focus of Operation Avalanche was victim safeguarding. Of the 152 individuals identified as being exploited, 89 were children under the age of 16 and 63 were vulnerable adults.
The Home Secretary has confirmed additional funding of £45 million for regional organised crime units to sustain momentum. New legislation is also being brought forward to strengthen powers to prosecute those who exploit children for drug trafficking.
This article is based on reporting from:
National Crime AgencySenior Crime Correspondent
Emma Richards covers crime and justice for Reliable News. She has reported on major criminal trials and police investigations across the UK for eight years.
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