Five arrested following early-morning County Lines raids

Police have arrested five men after their County Lines Taskforce carried out multiple warrants across Sandwell and Dudley yesterday morning.

The warrants were carried out as officers seek to dismantle the 'Dappa Line,' which is understood to have supplied Class A drugs around the Black Country.

A spokesperson said: "Following the early-morning warrants five men aged 18, 23, 25, 37 and 38, have all been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and possession of weapon offences. They remain in custody for questioning.

"Multiple mobile phones which are suspected to be linked to drug dealing were recovered along with cash, knives, imitation firearms and ammunition.

"Suspected gun powder has been discovered at one address and searches are ongoing along with assistance from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal. However, there is not thought to be any wider threat to the community.

"Our County Lines Taskforce is committed to disrupting the supply of drugs in the West Midlands and is relentlessly targeting those suspected of involvement in it.

"It's all part of Operation Target, our ongoing fight against serious and organised crime in the West Midlands. Officers work 24/7 to disrupt and arrest those involved in guns, drugs, money laundering and exploitation."