Transport Police join local drug war
This month’s massive drugs raid in town revealed how serious the local police are taking the growing problem, as drugs gangs from bigger towns and cities target rural communities through their ‘County Lines’ methods.
The rail network is key to the transport of drugs, particularly by vulnerable minors too young to drive. To tackle this, BTP has trained officers to spot behaviour associated with people taking part in County Lines activity.
Notoriously under-reported, BTP is encouraging rail staff on the line to look out for the signs of this activity taking place on and around the railway. To date, over 500 rail staff in Wales have been trained by officers and it has become a compulsory part of training for every new starter at Transport for Wales, who operate the Welshpool service.
BTP Detective Chief Inspector, Jaqueline Thomas, said: “We know this activity is happening across the rail network and we recognise the major role we play in disrupting it. Our job is to detect and interfere with this activity, as well as protecting victims of this crime.
“We can’t be everywhere, so by training people in the industry, we’ll have more eyes and ears on the ground to help gather vital intelligence through more reporting.”
Ella Rabaiotti, Crimestoppers Wales Manager, said: “As an independent charity, Crimestoppers enables the public to give information about crime anonymously. Through this initiative and by promoting our youth campaign at Fearless.org, we hope young people will be better informed and speak up about exploitation.”
A common feature in County Lines drug supply is the exploitation of young and vulnerable people, who are often targeted to transport drugs and money. BTP also works closely with schools and colleges to train tutors on warning signs and how to safeguard pupils, as well as raising awareness of Child Sexual Exploitation amongst students.
Earlier this month, more than 70 officers took part in the raid on Leighton Arches with four arrests made.
If you see something that doesn’t seem right, text BTP on 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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