Shropshire Star

Fight against drug gangs continues

Dyfed-Powys Police has hosted a multi-agency event to protect children and vulnerable adults who are being ‘used and abused’ by organised crime groups to extend their drug dealing business.

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Police say County Lines is an emerging national issue, where organised crime groups from urban areas such as London, Liverpool and Birmingham put children and vulnerable adults between themselves and the risk of detection by manipulating them into carrying and selling drugs.

Detective Chief Superintendent Shane Williams said: “Drugs cause serious harm in our communities, and the way these organised crime groups extend their drug dealing business is deplorable. Our number one priority is to protect vulnerable people, and this includes children, who can be as young as 12 years old, and the vulnerable adults who are ruthlessly exploited by urban gangs to do their dirty work. Ultimately our aim is to make the Dyfed-Powys area a hostile environment for organised crime groups, preventing all forms of harm associated with these gangs.”

"Someone may be vulnerable to exploitation by organised crime groups for a number of reasons, but invariably there is a power imbalance in favour of those perpetrating the exploitation. Factors include age, gender, cognitive ability, or social isolation; however, a consistent factor in county lines exploitation is the presence of some form of exchange between the victim and perpetrator.

"In exchange for carrying out a task, the victim may be promised or given something they need or want. This could be something tangible such as money, drugs or clothes or intangible such as protection, status, affection or perceived friendship. The prevention of something negative can also fulfil the requirement for exchange, meaning a young person or vulnerable adult may carry out an activity due to fear of violence or retribution.

“Any child or vulnerable adult can be affected and it’s important to recognise that it can still be exploitation, even if the activity appears consensual.

“Our aim is to shine a light on this exploitation, and by working together with a wide range of partner agencies including local authorities, third sector agencies, housing associations, train and coach operators, identify abuse sooner so that we can intervene and keep vulnerable people safe.

‘Cuckooing’ is one example of how a gang will use and abuse a vulnerable person. This is where a gang will take over a drug users’ or other vulnerable person’s home, and use it as a base for their local drug dealing. This may be with the blessing of the resident, but more often is as a result of force or the threat of force. In some cases, the resident can also be pressured into selling drugs."

“Dyfed-Powys Police is asking for the public and partner’s help to identify exploitation like cuckooing. So, if your neighbour or tenant is suddenly having many more visitors to their property and at unusual times of the day and night, or you notice that their curtains or blinds are almost always shut, it could be because their home has been taken over by a drug dealing gang.

“Likewise you may be in a position as a parent or carer, teacher or health worker to identify that a young person’s behaviour has changed. You may notice that their academic performance is declining or they are persistently going missing from school; you may become aware that they suddenly have cash to splash or new clothes and gifts from an unknown source or; learn that they are carrying a weapon such as a knife. This could be because they have become involved with a gang.

The independent charity Crimestoppers Wales provides an anonymous route to give information about crime, and offers a bespoke service to young people called Fearless.