POLICE arrested 10 men and found 60 wraps of drugs during a week long crack down on County Lines to stop vulnerable people being targeted by drugs gangs from cities.

Wiltshire Police stepped up their work against dealers who exploit vulnerable people from rural communities to sell drugs during a week of action lead by the National Crime Agency and National Police Chiefs Council.

As well as the arrests, £3,500 of cash and a machete was seized during the increased patrols.

Police Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson said: "When it comes to County Lines, it is concerning to know that so many vulnerable people can be caught up in what is a destructive cycle - being enticed by promises of gifts, money and perhaps a better life to push drugs and ultimately more misery on other vulnerable people. It's heartening to see the good work Wiltshire Police is doing and the positive results it is getting as it continues to work with partners."

Laura Mayes, cabinet member for children’s services, said: "Wiltshire Youth Offending Team has worked closely with police colleagues to develop a Youth Restorative Intervention Panel, which is focussed upon early identification of young people at risk of exploitation or entering the criminal justice system.

"The panel aims to identify appropriate support and intervention for young people and their families, to reduce the pull into criminal behaviours and divert young people away from groups or individuals who may exploit them.

“These initiatives will help us pinpoint those factors that can lead to problems down the line and ensure we provide that support and guidance to steer young people away from a life of crime.”

Mike Grizzell, the manager of Wiltshire’s young people’s drug and alcohol service, Motiv8, said: “County Lines operations target young and vulnerable people, so it’s something we’re sadly seeing more and more of at Motiv8.

"We work in partnership with agencies, including the police, to educate and safeguard young people to prevent harm from drugs and/or alcohol and associated activities. This helps to disrupt gang activity and reduces not just the market for drugs but also the number of young people who can be exploited into selling drugs.

"Our service is free and confidential, and we aim to provide a flexible and non-judgemental space for young people to be open about the problems they are facing.”

Ben Judd, senior operations manager at Turning Point, said: "IMPACT, Turning Point’s Swindon and Wiltshire service, provides support, information and treatment to anyone over 18 with drug and/or alcohol problems. We have been working closely with Wiltshire Police and other local partners to ensure that any victims of the County Lines, that may have a substance misuse problem, are aware of the support that is available to them and fast tracked into treatment if needed.

"If you are worried about your or someone else’s drug or alcohol use, call us: Swindon - 01793 328150; Trowbridge - 01225 341520; Salisbury - 01722 343000."