Operation Apollo continues crackdown on County Lines with over 300 years in jail time secured

Operation Apollo has reached a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to tackle County Lines, with over 300 years of collective sentences secured.

The operation was launched in November 2022 by Cheshire Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) in a bid to proactively target County Lines operating across the county.

Since then, Operation Apollo has played a vital role in dismantling county lines, disrupting drug supply networks, and bringing offenders to justice.

Their work thus far has resulted in a combined total of 300 years in custodial sentences being handed out to offenders who have tried to establish drug supply lines within Cheshire.

During this financial year, Operation Apollo has secured 57 arrests and closed 61 county lines operating within Cheshire.

Detectives have enlisted a range of tactics throughout the year to arrest and remand those involved in the drug supply and put them before the courts.

The team have also seized substantial quantities of drugs with a total estimated value of £129,560, all of which were destined for the streets of Cheshire.

44 weapons and more than £65,000 in cash have also been seized as a result of the work undertaken by Op Apollo.

In addition to their proactive work, much of which is intelligence led, the team continue to work closely with external partners and neighbouring forces to ensure communities within Cheshire are safeguarded from those involved in serious and organised crime.

Detective Inspector Robert Balfour, from Cheshire Constabulary’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said:

“This latest milestone reflects the dedicated team of officers and staff that work tirelessly to protect Cheshire from county line drug networks and supply chains.

“We are well aware of the devastating impact illegal drugs can have on communities, while those who supply them reap the benefits and live luxuriously.

“Drug related crime fuels violence and anti-social behaviour, and those who are most vulnerable, including children and at-risk adults, are often preyed upon.

“I want to make it clear that this type of crime is far from victimless and the ripple effect it can have on people’s lives is significant.

“That is why Operation Apollo will continue to target those who are foolish enough to believe they can establish illegal drug supply lines here in our county and go undetected.

“Our work speaks for itself and the message is clear, those found to be involved in county lines will be put before the courts and face the full weight of the law.

“If you believe a county line is operating in your community, please get in touch with us here at Cheshire Police and we will take action.”

If you believe drug activity is taking place in your community and have information, please contact Cheshire Constabulary via our website:

https://www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us

... or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on:

0800 555 111