Police seized drugs worth thousands of pounds and arrested 32 people during a major crackdown on county lines drug dealing across Cambridgeshire. Officers carried out 12 warrants in Peterborough, Cambridge and Huntingdon last week, recovering large quantities of Class A and B drugs, cash and designer goods.
A cache of weapons was also discovered, including Samurai swords, knives, machetes, firearms and a taser.
Police also visited several suspected “cuckooed” addresses — homes where vulnerable people are exploited by drug gangs who take over the property to use it as a base for dealing.
Multiple investigations remain ongoing. Three suspects have been charged with drug offences while the remaining individuals have been released on bail.
National week of action targets county lines gangs
The raids were part of County Lines Intensification Week, a nationwide initiative led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council.
Forces across the UK carried out coordinated activity between 2 and 8 March aimed at disrupting organised crime groups and tackling the county lines networks that transport drugs between cities and rural areas.
Detective Inspector Shish Thind said the operation was a key part of protecting vulnerable people.
He said: “County lines is an abhorrent crime which devastates communities and causes long-lasting harm to vulnerable people who are exploited for criminal gain.
“This week of action was an important part of our ongoing work to combat the issue in Cambridgeshire and protect the vulnerable people being targeted by gangs.
“We will continue to work relentlessly to disrupt organised crime groups and bring drug dealers before the courts.”
Three charged after raids
Three men have been charged following the warrants:
- Cameron Black, 22, of no known address, was charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin after warrants in Peterborough and Downham Market on 3 March. He pleaded guilty at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on 4 March and will be sentenced at Cambridge Crown Court on 15 April.
- Artur Shabani, 26, of High Street, Eye, was charged with being concerned in the supply of cocaine after a warrant in the village on 2 March. He appeared at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court the following day and will appear at Cambridge Crown Court on 14 April.
- Levi George, 21, of Kings Ripton Road, Sapley, Huntingdon, has been charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine, heroin and cannabis. He is due at Cambridge Crown Court on 2 April.
