Police forces in the region clamp down on County Lines drug dealing

Police patrol train stations across the south in a bit to clamp down on County Lines drug dealing Credit: ITV Meridian

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A number of arrests and drugs raids have been made as police forces across the south tackle the rising number of County Lines drug deals.

It's part of a nationwide week, led by the National Crime Agency and National Police Chiefs' Council, to reduce the number of County Lines related crimes.

It was revealed that children as young as twelve were being coerced and forced into dealing drugs. Many are recruited in cities and then sent to towns and villages in the south to set up deals.

Hampshire Constabulary revealed that more than £28,000 worth of drugs were seized in drug raids and more than £12,000 of cash was recovered.

In Wiltshire, ten men were arrested and approximately 60 wraps of drugs and a machete were recovered by Dedicated Crime Team (DCT) and Community Policing Teams.

Sussex and Hampshire police have been targeting train stations where it's suspected some of these children are travelling to and from.

Our reporter, Tom Savvides has been out and about to find out more.

  • Credit: Children's Society Video