'We need to go all out to stop county lines trafficking'

ADAM Dance, Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil, has called for urgent and sustained action to tackle county lines drug trafficking in Somerset, following a parliamentary question to the Home Office.

- ADAM Dance, Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil

In response, the Government highlighted recent enforcement activity, including 17 arrests and the closure of five drug lines by Avon and Somerset Police during a national crackdown in late 2024.

However, Mr Dance criticised the Government's approach as reactive and insufficient.

He said: "While I welcome the efforts of our local police, the Government's strategy lacks the long-term investment and coordination needed to dismantle these criminal networks.

"County lines operations exploit vulnerable children and adults, devastating families and communities across Somerset.

"We need a comprehensive plan that includes early intervention, support for victims, and robust enforcement to prevent these gangs from taking root."