SEVEN people were arrested in connection with County Lines drug dealing during a week last month.

Cleveland Police was targeting the activity between Monday, September 14 and Sunday, September 20, making seven arrests and seizing a quantity of drugs.

County lines is the name given to drug dealing where groups use phone lines to move and supply drugs, often from cities to smaller towns and rural areas.

Officers executed seven warrants, resulting in the arrest of three women aged 33, 41 and 42 and four men; two aged 30 and the others aged 43 and 44.

Police also ensured the safeguarding of eight vulnerable young people.

Drugs including amphetamine and cannabis were recovered alongside a number of weapons, including lock knives, a truncheon, an axe, a hammer and a cross bow and a number of stolen vehicles were recovered.

Detective Inspector Dave Glass, from the complex exploitation team, said: “The focus of our operation was to safeguard as many vulnerable people as possible and we interacted with eight young people over the course of the week of action, who are now subject to multi-agency support and ongoing interventions.

“Our aim is to disrupt these gangs and stop the exploitation of vulnerable persons in Cleveland and although the week of action has been successful, we are not complacent. The fight against County Lines is not over and we will continue to tackle these people and safeguard as many young people as we possibly can.”

There are several signs to look out for that may indicate someone is involved in county lines:

• A child or young person regularly going missing from school or home, and being found in other areas.

• Unexplained money, new clothes or electronic devices that can’t be accounted for

• Receiving high numbers of texts or phone calls, and being secretive about who they’re speaking to

• Relationships with controlling or older individuals or associations with gangs

• Significant changes in emotional or physical wellbeing

• Suspicion of self-harm, physical assault or unexplained injuries

Anyone with concerns about County Lines can speak to Cleveland Police on 101 or call 999 in an emergency. To report anonymously, please call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or go online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

If you are a young person who is worried about being involved in County Lines, or knows someone who is, you can contact www.fearless.org who also allow anonymous reporting.