South Yorkshire Police shut down over £50,000 worth of criminal activity last week as part of a national crackdown on county line crime, including thousands of pounds worth of illegal vapes.

As part of County Lines Intensification Week, police seized over £15,000 worth of cash and Class A drugs between 4 and 10 March.

Vapes and counterfeit cigarettes totalling £6,500 in value were also seized from four premises believed to be linked with organised crime in the Sharrow, Highfield, and Abbeydale areas of Sheffield.

Two county drug dealing lines were shut down and 18 arrests were made for multiple offences of child trafficking, possession of Class A and B drugs with intent to supply, theft of motor vehicles, and possession of an offensive weapon.

Chief Inspector Leanne Dean, the Force’s lead for County Lines, said: “This week of intensified activity demonstrates the strength in partnership working and sends a strong message that county lines gangs have no place in South Yorkshire.”

This police action also resulted in the seizure of a motor vehicle worth £30,000, 160 cannabis plants, 13 mobile phones and 10 weapons, all used for criminal activity.

Police also actively safeguarded and supported 113 men and women at risk of exploitation and modern slavery.

Engagement stalls and events across city centres, GP surgeries and pharmacies saw officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) educate members of the public on how to spot signs of exploitation, cuckooing, and modern slavery.