POLICE made 42 arrests and seized Class A drugs valued at over £620,000 as part of a crackdown on County Lines crime.

Officers from all five districts in the West Yorkshire force area, including Bradford, were involved in the operation.

The venture was in support of a national week-long campaign targeting County Lines crime – which involves illegal drugs being transported from one area to another, usually by children or vulnerable people coerced into it by gangs.

In West Yorkshire, Class A drugs – including heroin and crack cocaine – worth a total of £620,490 were seized, plus over £8,000 in cash believed to be linked to criminal activities.

Also recovered were weapons – including 32 knives and one machete – mobile phones, ketamine, nearly 11 kilos of packaged cannabis and over 1,900 cannabis plants.

Of those arrested, 39 were adults – including six females – and three youths.

During the operation, police also took safeguarding measures relating to eight males and three females.

Educational visits were made as part of the week, with officers and representatives of partner organisations – such as councils and British Transport Police – highlighting the signs of County Lines exploitation.

High-visibility patrols and engagement with known drug users took place in communities, there were safeguarding visits to known victims to help prevent further exploitation, special training in County Lines issues was given to police cadets, and resources were distributed to care providers.

Detective Chief Inspector Lee Townley – of the West Yorkshire Police Programme Precision team, which is dedicated to tackling serious and organised crime in the region – said: "County Lines drug dealing has a detrimental effect on communities across the whole country, including here in West Yorkshire, and involves criminals placing vulnerable young people at risk of exploitation and harm.

"That is why it’s important that we take action like we have to both disrupt and deter County Lines activity.

"Not only are we arresting those responsible and seizing their illicit goods, but we’re also engaging with and educating people to look out for the signs of County Lines crime.

"The message is clear – this kind of activity will not be tolerated in West Yorkshire."

West Yorkshire Police say anyone concerned about crime in their community should call the non-emergency 101 number or go online at westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat

Alternatively, people can contact independent charity Crimestoppers – anonymously – on 0800 555 111.