Six people were arrested during County Lines Intensification Week as officers and partners mounted targeted action across solihull to disrupt drug supply, remove dangerous items and safeguard vulnerable people.
Solihull enforcement and seizures
Officers carried out stop searches in hotspot areas known for antisocial behaviour and drug dealing, and executed warrants that led to multiple arrests and seizures. A 19-year-old and an 18-year-old were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs and possession of a zombie knife. A 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply after officers discovered a large amount of Class B drugs.
At a warrant in Smiths Wood, officers seized several mature cannabis plants. A separate warrant in Chelmsley Wood resulted in the seizure of a dangerous dog and several bags of Class A drugs. Shirley and St Alphege officers completed weapon and drug sweeps across local parks as part of the intensified activity.
Immediate reactions
Chief Superintendent Richard Harris, who manages local policing in Solihull, said: “Our teams have worked hard to reach as many communities as possible during this intensified week of action. Our schools and Early Help teams have delivered countless workshops around making more positive choices. We know organised gang activity, drug dealing, and the exploitation of vulnerable people is a concern all year round. My teams are working hard to not only prevent crime happening but are working with partners to create long-term problem-solving solutions. Our collaborative approach with partners means we have more eyes on the ground reporting into our neighbourhood teams. It also means we can guide those released from our police custody down better pathways, stepping away from a life of criminality. ”
Quick context and what’s next
During the week, the schools and partnership team delivered VR workshops to pupils on the dangers of county lines, knife crime and the consequences of antisocial behaviour. Staff at local academy trusts received training on professional curiosity to help identify possible child exploitation, and officers jointly visited care homes with Solihull Council to safeguard potentially vulnerable children.
Teams say enforcement will be followed by continued partnership work focused on prevention and long-term problem solving; further engagement with schools, council services and local neighbourhood teams is expected as officers and partners maintain pressure on those exploiting and supplying drugs in solihull.
