FIVE children were arrested last week as police launched a crackdown on the violent gangs who flood Dorset with class A drugs.

The youngsters, who are being supported by police and the local authority, were among 38 people held on suspicion of drug-related offences. All were arrested within just five days.

More than £58,000-worth of drugs and cash were seized by police during the regional operation.

As reported by the Daily Echo, violence in the county has spiralled as a result of so-called ‘county lines’ gangs. A shooting and a mutilation connected to the gangs were reported over the past year.

Gangs from big cities including London and Liverpool are pushing heroin and cocaine in towns like Bournemouth and Blandford.

Superintendent Caroline Naughton said ‘safe and well checks’ have been carried out at a number of addresses.

“County lines exploit vulnerable young people and coerce them to commit criminal activity,” she said.

“The week was an intensification of our existing work to tackle suspected drug-related crime. While I’m extremely pleased with the work carried out this week, our efforts to tackle county lines are ongoing and relentless.”

Children from around the country are used by county lines gangs to deal drugs. Addicts are often made to house dealers.

Dorset’s police and crime commissioner Martyn Underhill has previously told the Echo that he is “shocked” by the violence that can accompany county lines, even with his extensive experience as a former police officer.

“County lines is a growing problem, not just in Dorset but across the country. It is something police can’t tackle alone.

“We need the support of our communities to continue to provide information to Dorset Police about suspected drug-related offences.”

Detective Inspector Charlotte Tucker, regional coordinator for county lines, praised the number of arrests made in Dorset. However, she added: “Equally important is the work done to identify vulnerable young people and adults being exploited by drug gangs, which included visits to more than 200 currently or previously ‘cuckooed’ addresses. We know that every day more young people and vulnerable adults are being targeted by these gangs and the challenge of dismantling these lines is a very real one, not just for law enforcement, but for safeguarding, health and education professionals as well.” To contact police with information on suspected drug activity, call 101.