VIDEO: A total of 112 County lines drug operations have been closed and 200 years’ worth of prison sentences have been dished out as a result of the work undertaken by Cheshire Police’s Operation Apollo.
Operation Apollo was launched in November 2022 by Cheshire Constabulary in a bid to combat the cross-county gangs – they have since secured multiple convictions and have seized thousands of pounds worth of cash and illegal drugs.
County Lines drug dealing involves organised crime groups based in major cities extending their criminal enterprise into towns including Warrington and rural locations.
They often recruit and coerce young children and vulnerable adults to sell illegal drugs for them.
In their first year, Op Apollo secured over 100 years’ worth of prison sentences and tore down 70 gangs.
Just six months later, Op Apollo have now dismantled 112 county lines and have put 53 offenders behind bars, who are collectively facing over 200 years’ worth of sentences. A further 35 people are still awaiting sentencing or trial. Over 150 people have also been charged with drug related offences as a result of Cheshire Constabulary’s commitment to tackling County Lines.
The team remain steadfast in their disruption of gangs and those who attempt to profit from their illegal gains, with over £60,000 in cash being seized and over £87,000 worth of illegal drugs recovered and removed from the streets of Cheshire.
Following their latest milestone, Detective Inspector Robert Balfour, from Cheshire Constabulary’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: “In just six months, our team of detectives have secured an additional 100 years’ worth of sentences, handed to individuals involved in county lines.
“Organised gangs operating county lines are known to exploit children and vulnerable adults to move and supply drugs on their behalf.
“This lifestyle shouldn’t be glamourised and can lead to serious consequences.
“That’s why Op Apollo have been working tirelessly to dismantle county lines and put a stop to the drug dealers operating them.
“With 112 county lines closed and over £140k worth of cash and drugs seized, the message is clear that illegal drugs and those who supply them are not welcome here in Cheshire.
“Op Apollo will continue to target those who are foolish enough to believe they can establish illegal drug supply lines here in our county and go undetected.
“If you believe a county line is operating in your community, please get in touch with us here at Cheshire Police and we will take action.”
If you believe drug activity is taking place in your community and have information, please contact Cheshire Constabulary via their website or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Police tear down more than 70 County Lines drugs gangs one year on from launch of Operation Apollo
