Thirteen people were arrested in a police operation targeting county lines drug crimes.

More than £32,000 was seized along with significant amounts of crack cocaine and heroin during the county lines operation last week between May 17 and May 21.

Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Mantis team that tackles county lines says that after the week of action thirteen people were arrested in total, with seven of those being charged.

Warrants were also served at addresses in Birmingham with support from West Midlands Police.

Detective Inspector Alex Willcox, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Serious and Organised Crime Command, said: “This latest week of action is part of our continuing drive to disrupt and dismantle County Lines gangs operating in the county. We have made a number of significant arrests, seizing large amounts of drugs and cash in the process, doing substantial damage to these gangs’ operations.

“We take a very proactive approach, working with our partners in other forces and national agencies to make it difficult for these organisations to operate in our towns, identifying new gangs and targeting them early before they get a foothold and serious offences can occur.

“Police forces across the country took part in the coordinated week of action to target those who are involved in drugs supply and exploiting vulnerable people. We continue to work with partners at national and local level, to target these gangs and also to raise awareness of County Lines among young people, parents, teachers and other members of the community to help protect the vulnerable and prevent them from getting involved in gang activity.”

Those charged were:

• Rayquarn Ashby, 18, from Red Hawk Close, Lincoln, charged for being concerned in the supply of class A drugs

• Onome Omonseh, 23, from Deans Drive, London, charged for conspiracy to supply class A drugs

• Naeem Ahmed, 25, of Warren Farm Road, Birmingham, charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs

• Abdullah Milash, 24, of Merryhill Drive, Birmingham, charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs and possession with intent to supply class A drugs

• Alfie Eaves, 26, of, Park Road, Moseley, Birmingham, charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs

• Sharmina Islam, 25, of, Cophall Street, Tipton, charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs

• Iyesha Mahmood, 23, of, Scotland Street, Birmingham, charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs and possession with intent to supply class A drugs

Meanwhile forces across the East of England made 104 arrests, largely for drugs supply and possession, and weapon offences.

Nearly £55,000 in suspected criminal cash was also seized by the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit and forces in the region.

Detective Inspector Kelly Gray, Regional County Lines Coordinator for ERSOU, said: “This latest week of intensification is another example of the excellent work taking place across eastern England to tackle the issues posed by county lines.

“The results seen across the region, achieved through the dedication of police and partners across a number of areas, is testament to tireless work throughout the year to protect the most vulnerable members in our communities.

“There are many different types of crime linked to county lines and our focus is on safeguarding those being exploited so we can get them the help they need. I’d urge anyone who thinks they know someone involved in associated criminality, or who is being exploited, to contact support services straight away.”