00:00A West Yorkshire Police Task Force has made 250 arrests and shut down 180 county lines in its first year
00:08of operation.
00:09The team was set up to tackle county lines where drug gangs use phone lines to move and sell drugs,
00:15often exploiting children and vulnerable adults to transport or deal them.
00:20This type of exploitation can see people threatened, intimidated or promised money.
00:25Since launching last October, officers have seized 128 kilos of drugs and more than £136,000 in cash.
00:35They've also recovered over 70 knives and made 159 referrals to safeguarding services and charities.
00:42A total of 180 people have been charged, with a further 98 lineholders charged and awaiting court.
00:49Detective Inspector Helen Chapman, who leads the team, says the operation combined enforcement with support
00:55to protect vulnerable people and disrupt organised crime.
00:59She says gangs often use manipulation, coercion and violence to supply drugs and make a profit,
01:05adding that while there's work to do, the team's achievements show its commitment
01:09to protecting communities from exploitation and serious crime.
01:13Police say identifying vulnerable people and referring them for support
01:16is an important part of tackling county lines, alongside arresting those suspected of running the networks.
01:22Police are urging anyone concerned about someone's safety or who spots suspicious activity to get in touch.
