Police in Crawley report that a 12-week operation has significantly reduced serious harm associated with suspected class A drug supply.
During the three months leading up to the 6th of December, 25 men and women were arrested, 11 county lines were dismantled, and 14 weapons were seized.
Police say the operation has made Crawley safer and contributed to a decrease in drug-related crime.
Crawley was the location for intense proactivity by specialist teams, including detectives, the town’s local neighbourhood team and Centurion, the dedicated Surrey and Sussex team tasked with tackling county lines drugs. It also included officers from the Metropolitan police who supported the operation including assisting with warrants in Crawley and London.
Neighbourhood policing Inspector Adam McCaig said: “Our action was in response to a number of violent offences taking place in the town suspected to be linked to county lines drug lines.
“Through intense activity we aimed to decrease the amount of serious harm occurring, reduce exploitation and bring offenders to justice.
“We targeted the whole criminal network from the local drug dealer to the top tier of those managing the network supply. After gaining intelligence and evidence we carried out warrants at homes in Crawley and London, in each gathering mobile phones, drugs and thousands of pounds in cash.
“To date 16 adults have been charged with offences including conspiracy, concerned in the supply of Class A drugs including cocaine, heroin, crack cocaine, and class B cannabis; as well as offences of participating in the activities of an organised crime group, and possession of criminal property.
“The targeted work has had a significant impact in making Crawley safer and has led to reductions in drug-linked offences in the town.”
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