Home   News   Article

Highland police ‘success’ tackling County Lines drug gangs from Liverpool behind 2023 violence after working with Merseyside cops to tackle the those dealing in the north





Highland police claim ‘success’ in tackling County Lines drug gangs from Liverpool behind 2023 violence.
Highland police claim ‘success’ in tackling County Lines drug gangs from Liverpool behind 2023 violence.

Police Scotland’s Highlands and Islands division has expanded the team of “dedicated officers” with the “sole purpose” of tackling County Lines drug gangs – often from the Liverpool area.

The Divisional Commander – Chief Superintendent Robert Shepherd – will tell Highland Council that efforts are ongoing as his officers report “recently seen success through joint working with Merseyside Police”.

County Lines is the now notorious Silk Road of drug trafficking from “major cities such as Birmingham, Derby, Liverpool and London” into rural areas across the UK that has led to misery for many.

In his report to councillors Ch Supt Shepherd said: “North Division has also recently expanded its team of dedicated officers with the sole purpose of targeting County Line offenders, working in partnership with Partner agencies and protecting vulnerable persons”.

Those vulnerable people are frequently addicts whose homes are taken over for payment in drugs by those working County Lines routes in a practice known as “Cuckooing”.

But operating with officers south of the border is beginning to deliver results according to Detective Chief Inspector Craig Still.

“The Division has continued in its pursuit of those involved in Serious and Organised Crime in Highlands,” he said. “We have built strong relationships with our partners across the UK and have recently seen success through joint working with Merseyside Police.

“This has resulted in the imprisonment of two males directing the NAE County Line which was responsible for serious violence in Inverness in 2023. The Division has also had recent success in targeting individuals involved in the supply of controlled drugs from outwith our area as well as targeted action against local facilitators.

“We continue to work with our statutory and third sector partners and have hosted several awareness sessions around County Line activity in our area. Further inputs are scheduled for early 2025”.





This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More