MORE than two dozen people have been arrested and weapons, drugs and cash have been seized as part of a week-long crackdown on County Lines drug dealing.

West Yorkshire Police took part in the national initiative between May 17 and 23 to tackle the issue, stepping up its work to target the county lines problem.

As well as speaking to potentially vulnerable children who could be targeted by criminals, 25 people were arrested for a variety of offences including possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and possession of weapons.

The weapons seized included a Taser, machete and an electric stun gun.

Detective Superintendent Carl Galvin (Protective Services, Crime) is the Force lead for serious and organised crime.

He said: “Through Programme Precision – which sees us working closely with partners to target serious and organised crime – we are making a significant difference to the communities of West Yorkshire.

“This week of action was important as it saw us intensify our efforts to bring offenders to justice and to safeguard victims – who are often young and / or vulnerable.

“It is, however, the sort of work we put in every day of the year.”

County Lines Crime is where illegal drugs are transported from one area to another, often across police and local authority boundaries (although not exclusively), usually by children or other vulnerable people who are coerced into it.

Det Supt Galvin added:“Put more simply it is hardened criminals getting young people to do their ‘dirty work’ (i.e. transporting and selling drugs).

“Criminals will promise a glamorous life and will often groom and exploit the children, using physical and sometimes sexual violence to get what they want.

“That is why education is as important as enforcement – and a lot of our work concentrates on safeguarding people.

“Throughout the week we also visited schools to spread our message."