Drugs, Cash, and Offenders Removed from Southampton Streets During County Lines Crackdown
Southampton police have made significant inroads against County Lines drug supply during a national week of intensification, removing drugs, cash, and offenders from the streets.
County Lines refers to the use of mobile phone “lines” to supply drugs, often from major cities to towns and rural areas. Those controlling these networks frequently exploit vulnerable young people and are linked to serious violence, human trafficking, and child criminal exploitation.
From Monday 2 March to Friday 6 March, officers across Southampton focused on dismantling these networks. Teams executed warrants, carried out proactive patrols, performed safeguarding visits, and conducted targeted stop checks to disrupt the activity.
The results of the week included:
• 31 arrests
• Seizure of significant quantities of Class A and B drugs
• Recovery of more than £5,000 in suspected criminal cash
• Multiple drug lines dismantled, including seizure of deal phones used to coordinate supply
• Recovery of stolen vehicles and removal of disqualified and drug-driving offenders
• 84 stop checks, intercepting offenders carrying drugs, weapons, and cash
• Arrests of several wanted individuals and gathering of valuable intelligence
• Intervention in several attempts to flee, including individuals trying to escape out of windows
Safeguarding remained central throughout the operation. Officers visited addresses linked to exploitation, offered support to vulnerable adults and young people, and ensured they were not being coerced by criminal groups.
Deputy District Commander, Chief Inspector Charlie Ilderton, said:
“This was a strong week of action and I’m incredibly proud of the results our teams achieved. Every arrest, every seizure and every safeguarding visit makes a real difference to the people being exploited by these criminal networks.
County lines intensification week is a joint effort, and it’s only possible because of the hard work of officers and staff from neighbourhood teams, district policing teams and specialist units across the wider force. Their commitment and teamwork throughout the week has been outstanding, and I want to thank everyone involved.
We know that county lines activity doesn’t just harm those directly involved — it affects the safety, confidence and wellbeing of entire neighbourhoods.
Our efforts do not stop after weeks like this. We will continue to disrupt, dismantle and pursue County Lines groups operating in Southampton, and we will keep protecting those who are most at risk.”
The force emphasised that operations against County Lines are ongoing, aiming to protect vulnerable individuals and maintain the safety of communities across Southampton.
