Four county drug lines shut down in joint Bedfordshire operation

A two-day joint crackdown by British Transport Police and Bedfordshire Police has led to multiple arrests, significant drug seizures and safeguarding action to protect vulnerable people exploited by county lines gangs

A joint operation between British Transport Police and Bedfordshire Police has resulted in four active county drug lines being shut down and a series of arrests across Bedfordshire.

The operation took place over two days, with activity in Luton on Monday 20 January and Bedford on Tuesday 21 January. Its focus was not only on disrupting drug supply networks, but also on identifying and safeguarding children and vulnerable people exploited by gangs to move drugs between locations.

Officers were deployed across the railway network in Bedfordshire, supported by specialist units including drug detection dogs. Safeguarding experts were also on hand to provide immediate support where concerns were identified.

In Bedford on 21 January, plain-clothes officers from BTP’s County Lines Taskforce stopped and searched a 36-year-old man. He was found with 37 wraps of crack cocaine and heroin, along with a burner-style mobile phone, and was arrested on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply. A subsequent search of his address uncovered an imitation firearm, 65 grams of cannabis packaged for supply, and more than £2,000 in cash.

Across the two days, a total of 12 arrests were made in connection with drug supply offences. Police also seized Class A and B drugs, a samurai sword and other bladed weapons. Early morning warrants were executed in both Luton and Bedford, leading to further arrests and seizures.

A wide range of partner organisations supported the operation, including Bedfordshire’s Violence and Exploitation Prevention Partnership (VEPP), local authority children’s services, drug and alcohol services, and charities working with vulnerable people. Officers and partners also carried out extensive engagement with the public, raising awareness of exploitation and how to report concerns.

Detective Superintendent David Udomhiaye of British Transport Police said the operation showed the importance of joint working to dismantle county lines networks and protect communities, adding that safeguarding victims of exploitation remains central to the taskforce’s work.

Bedfordshire Police Superintendent Tom Stean said the operation demonstrated how targeting both towns and transport hubs can disrupt organised crime and protect those most at risk, urging the public to continue reporting suspicious activity.

Anyone who spots signs of drug supply or child exploitation on the railway is urged to report it to British Transport Police by texting 61016.