Fifteen county lines drug-dealing networks were dismantled and 64 arrests were made during an intensification week focused on tackling drug-related harm and violence in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight.

County lines means to deal drugs using mobile phones, usually from large cities to towns and rural areas. Line holders will use runners, often young and vulnerable children, to deliver the drugs. It is linked to some of the most serious and violent crimes, such as human trafficking, modern slavery and child exploitation.

During the week of action, which ran from March 4 to 10, officers across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight relentlessly pursued criminals in an effort to crack down on gangs that bring misery. They also protected 58 children and vulnerable adults from harm.

The week resulted in the seizure of 460.5g of cocaine, 109g of crack, 25g of heroin, 3,492.5g of cannabis, 30 pills of other MDMA drugs, £30,240.89 in cash, 94 phones and 14 weapons. Officers carried out 244 stop-searches and made 64 arrests.

Ch Insp Marcus Kennedy, the force’s drug-related crime and harm tactical lead, said: ‘’County lines is a term used to describe organised criminal networks who move illegal drugs out of bigger cities into smaller towns and cities in the UK, using dedicated mobile phone lines or other forms of ‘deal line’.

"Last week, across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, our officers targeted these county lines so as to disrupt drug dealing, prevent the exploitation of vulnerable individuals and to relentlessly target criminals who bring drugs and associated violence to our streets.”

Anyone with information on drug crime, or who is concerned about someone, should call the police on 101 to make a report or 999 if there is an immediate risk. If on a train text British Transport Police on 61016.