Two County Lines drug operations have been dismantled and £90,000 worth of drugs seized during a two-day joint operation at York Station involving British Transport Police (BTP) and North Yorkshire Police.
Twelve people were arrested for drug-related offences, while crack cocaine, heroin, ketamine, and cannabis were seized as officers targeted criminals using the rail network to deal drugs.
The operation involved uniformed and plain-clothes officers, drug detection dogs, and metal detection arches. BTP’s specialist County Lines Taskforce was joined by a Barnardo’s counter-trafficking worker and representatives from the Railway Children charity. Together, they engaged with passengers, station staff, retailers, and taxi drivers to raise awareness of exploitation through the #LookCloser campaign.
County Lines gangs are known to exploit children, using a combination of promises and threats to force them into carrying drugs on the railway. Over the course of the two days, four vulnerable young people were safeguarded.
BTP County Lines Taskforce lead Detective Superintendent David Udomhiaye said:
“Make no mistake, these people who exploit children to do their dirty work are the lowest of the low. This operation is yet another example of the considerable strides we are making in dismantling and destroying County Lines – drugs have been seized before they make their way into our communities and most importantly four vulnerable teenagers have been identified and safeguarded. That’s four young people who now have a way out.
“Every day our officers are out on the rail network relentlessly pursuing them, and we will not waver in our commitment to unravelling their criminal enterprise and bringing them to justice.”
In total, the operation resulted in:
- Seven arrests for being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs
- Four arrests for being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs
- One arrest for possession of a bladed article
Officers recovered 184 wraps of crack cocaine and heroin with a street value of £1,840, alongside 11kg of cannabis worth £80,000. More than £8,000 in cash was also seized, and one missing person was located and taken to a place of safety.
Det Supt Udomhiaye added:
“Working in partnership with other forces such as North Yorkshire Police allows us to share intelligence which means we can direct our teams to hotspots on the network with guaranteed results.
“We have multiple resources at our disposal including specialist covert officers who are highly trained to identify the nuances that are a dead giveaway someone is involved in criminality – you can’t hide from us.
“We encourage anyone to report any signs of child exploitation or any concerns to us by discreetly texting 61016, any information can help lead to the capture of those responsible.”
Inspector Jen Stockwell from the York Neighbourhood Policing Team said:
“Over the past two days, our Neighbourhood Policing Team has worked alongside British Transport Police to disrupt County Lines activity using the rail network.
“This joint approach is a clear example of how targeted partnership work can reduce drug supply, protect vulnerable people, and keep our communities safe.
“County Lines gangs exploit vulnerable individuals, cause significant harm to families, and undermine community confidence. We are committed to the relentless pursuit of those involved, using all available powers and intelligence to dismantle drug lines.
“By working closely with British Transport Police and our wider community partners, we can protect those most at risk, prevent harm, and improve the quality of life for people across North Yorkshire.”
To report a crime to British Transport Police, call 0800 40 50 40 or 999 in an emergency and can report any information anonymously to Crimestoppers online, or by calling 0800 555 111.
