Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Simon Foster, has commended the relentless action of West Midlands Police’s County Lines Taskforce, after an intensified week of action led to 113 arrests, the recovery of 13 firearms, 19 bladed weapons, and significant seizures of Class A drugs, including 1.39 kilos of crack cocaine and 778 grams of heroin.
The crackdown also saw officers dismantle drug lines, seize close to £300,000 in suspected criminal cash, and safeguard 42 adults and 71 children from exploitation. A total of two drug lines were shut down in the West Midlands, disrupting networks that fuel serious violence and ruthlessly exploit vulnerable people.
This robust disruption and enforcement, aligns with the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan 2025–2029, which sets out his absolute priority to bring offenders to justice, protect and safeguard vulnerable victims – particularly young people – and keep the people and communities of the West Midlands safe and secure.
This week, PCC Simon Foster visited the County Lines Taskforce in Birmingham, to personally thank officers for their hard work and dedication. During the visit, he received a detailed briefing on their next planned operation. He was joined by colleagues from the West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership, who lead on and support work across the region, to reduce violence affecting children and young people.
West Midlands PCC Simon Foster said: “These results send a clear message – if you are involved in County Lines drug dealing, West Midlands Police will find you, will disrupt your operations, and will bring you to justice.
“The results that we have seen are as a consequence of the commitment, dedication and hard work shown by the force’s County Lines Taskforce and partners. In just one week, they have not only taken dangerous weapons and drugs off our streets, but they have safeguarded dozens of vulnerable people from harm.
“Tackling County Lines is essential, to protecting our communities and breaking the cycle of exploitation and violence.”
Detective Chief Inspector Gemma Currie, from West Midlands Police’s Economic Crime Unit and County Lines Taskforce, said: “This week of action is just one part of our ongoing commitment to dismantling County Lines networks.
“We will continue to target those who exploit vulnerable people for profit, seize their assets, and work with partner agencies to prevent young people from being drawn into a life of crime.
“Every arrest, every line dismantled, and every weapon removed from our streets makes the West Midlands safer.”
Victims’ Advocate Natalie Queiroz MBE added: “Behind these figures are real people who are victims within this criminality, and whose lives have been changed. Safeguarding 42 adults and 71 children is not just about numbers – it’s about giving them the chance to rebuild their lives free from fear, control and exploitation.
“It’s crucial that these individuals are supported through the right services so they can move forward in safety and with hope.”
The PCC reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring West Midlands Police has the resources, tools, and partnerships it needs to protect people, families, businesses, and communities, and to keep up the sustained pressure, on those ruthless individuals driving serious organised crime.
For more information about the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan 2025–2029, visit: Police and Crime Plan (arcgis.com)
More on West Midlands Police’s County Lines efforts:
- Over £260K seized in County Lines crackdown in the West Midlands
- County lines | West Midlands Police
