Torquay teens arrested in suspected county lines operation

Two teenage boys from Torquay were arrested yesterday, in relation to a suspected county lines operation believed to be importing crack cocaine and heroin into the area as well as exploiting children to move drugs around the region.

The arrests follow a months-long intelligence gathering operation by the police's County Lines Team. 

Avon and Somerset Police, alongside Devon and Cornwall Police and the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU), visited addresses in Exeter and Torquay, arresting a man and two boys.

A further man was arrested in London with support from the Metropolitan Police’s Op Orochi team. 

Police in Merseyside have also contributed to the operation.

Those arrested are:

• A 17-year-old boy from Torquay – arrested on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs and arranging/ facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation
• A 16-year-old boy from Torquay – arrested on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs
• A 21-year-old man from Surrey – arrested on suspicion of being in possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and arranging/ facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation
• An 18-year-old man from Exeter – arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and arranging/ facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation

Drugs, phones, cash, weapons, and other items were seized during searches of properties.

Deputy Senior Investigating Officer Detective Sergeant Stuart Hassell said: “Today’s operation is the culmination of many months of intensive work by our team, involving partnership working with our colleagues in Devon and Cornwall, SWROCU, the Metropolitan Police and Merseyside Police.

“The operation has been an outstanding example of cross-border and inter-agency working which has resulted in four people being arrested.”