TWO teens have been arrested following a police operation to stop a line of class A drug dealing running from Tipton into Redditch.

Police teams from the West Midlands and West Mercia joined forces to carry out three warrants at addresses in Oldbury and Tipton on Thursday, May 16.

After an early morning briefing, three teams of officers made their way to the three properties, where forced entries were made simultaneously.

The two males, both aged 17 and from Oldbury and Tipton, were arrested for conspiracy to supply controlled drugs outside of a Tipton address, and were later taken to Kidderminster Police Station.

Around £3,000 in cash was found, as well as a mobile phone believed to be a drug ‘hotline.’

Another bag was recovered from the bedroom of the address, which contained 150 wraps of crack and 150 wraps of heroin, with a street value of £3000. A Stanley knife blade was also found within the bag.

Drug searches were carried out at another Tipton address, but no substances were found.

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Drug gangs have been targeted by West Midlands Police as part of a national week of action against ‘County Lines’ heroin and crack cocaine networks.

The force executed 15 warrants last week, made 28 arrests, and seized weapons, almost £14,000 in cash and drugs valued at more than £80,000.

The action formed part of a County Lines Intensification Week that saw police forces across the UK share intelligence and join forces to tackle drug supply chains.

Superintendent Rich Agar, West Midlands Police’s lead for County Lines, said: “It’s been a really productive week with West Midlands Police teaming up with neighbouring forces to tackle cross-border drugs crime.

“We secured some notable arrests and charges, but importantly our officers also safeguarded several vulnerable people, including children, who were suspected to be at risk of exploitation by drug gangs.

“We are committed to dismantling drugs networks operating out of the West Midlands and to protect any young, vulnerable people who are exploited by gangs and subject to violence, fear and intimidation."