POLICE have issued a warning to watch out for signs of County Lines drug dealing in Swindon.
The force is urging people to let officers know if they notice vulnerable people who are being exploited by gangs as part of a network that brings illegal drugs into the area.
A police spokesman said: "County Lines is a term used to describe organised criminal networks involved in exporting illegal drugs into other areas of the UK, using dedicated mobile phone lines or another form of ‘deal line’.
"They are likely to exploit children and vulnerable adults to move and store the drugs and money, and they will often use coercion, intimidation, violence and weapons.
"The intelligence we receive from people in all of our communities is crucial in helping us, our partner agencies and neighbouring forces tackle this.
"If you’re concerned for a young person, perhaps they’re acting out of character or appear to have come into money, question it or, if you know them well enough, ask them what’s going on?
"The intelligence we receive from people in our communities is crucial in helping us, our partner agencies and neighbouring forces tackle this."
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