Police seize £2.3m of drugs over 12 months

Police have seized more than £2.3m-worth of drugs and closed down 38 county lines operations in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire over the past year.

Figures from West Mercia Police also showed officers safeguarded 63 vulnerable people exploited by gangs, made 308 arrests, seized £198,170 in cash and recovered 58 weapons.

Det Supt Tony Garner said the statistics, which cover April 2025 to March 2026, not only reflected "enforcement success" but also an "ongoing commitment to safeguarding".

"County lines offenders often prey on children, young adults and vulnerable individuals, using threats, manipulation and violence to control them," he added.

"Every person safeguarded represents a life redirected away from exploitation."

According to the figures, officers also seized 327 devices, including mobile phones, and 36 vehicles which were used to facilitate criminal activity.

In March, the force found more than £1.5m-worth of drugs during a week-long operation across the three counties.

Officers also arrested 73 people, seized more than £27,000 in cash and recovered 12 bladed weapons and three firearms.

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