Three arrested as drugs and firearm are seized in police raid on Ashfield properties

Nottinghamshire Police’s County Lines Proactive Team led the operation at properties on Mattley Avenue and Greenholme Close in conjunction with the Kirkby Neighbourhood Policing Team, the force’s Tactical Support Group, Operation Reacher officers and Leicestershire Police.

Officers say a 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A drugs, possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs and also for possession of a firearm.

Meanwhile, a 40-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A drugs, possession of class A and B drugs.

A 28-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs and possession of a firearm.

All three have been released under investigation.

The arrests come after the force enhanced its ability to tackle and safeguard vulnerable people from being exploited.

Six officers have been added to the force's county lines proactive team which works tirelessly to crack down on serious and organised crime networks who pull young or vulnerable people into a criminal underworld to peddle drugs or carry out forced labour.

The new officers will identify and engage with children at risk from county lines crime groups in a bid to build trust and confidence with young people and prevent them becoming involved in a cycle of criminality.

Det Sgt Jo Eaton, who led the operation, said she was ‘proud’ Nottinghamshire is the only force in the region to have dedicated county lines and modern slavery investigation teams.

“Children who are exploited to sell drugs and commit other crimes as part of county lines operations are essentially modern slaves who have often been misled and exploited by organised crime groups,” she said.

"Our communities don't want these types of crime on their doorsteps and we are extremely grateful to those who help tackle it by reporting any issues in their neighbourhoods.

"Our ultimate aim is to keep people safe and, whether that's by prosecuting drug dealers or supporting vulnerable people to break free from a particular lifestyle, the information we receive is vital to allow us to take action.

“This team was created to pursue criminals involved in county lines drug dealing. Our message is clear, if you are involved in drug dealing within Nottinghamshire and surrounding areas or you come into Nottinghamshire to commit county lines offences then we will do all we can to locate, enforce and prosecute you.”

County lines is the term used to describe criminal gangs who move illegal drugs from big cities to rural areas and sell them via a dedicated phone line.

It often involves the use of children and vulnerable adults who are recruited and exploited by gangs.

- Anyone with concerns about drug dealing in their neighbourhood should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.