A TEENAGER was arrested in Crewe as part of a Cheshire Police crackdown on county lines drug dealers.

The 18-year-old, from Liverpool, was questioned by officers on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. He has been released under investigation.

The seven-day operation took place from Monday, May 14 and was part of a national focus on county lines drug activity co-ordinated by the National Crime Agency and the National Police Chiefs' Council.

A county line is operated by an organised crime group (OCG) who use a mobile phone, known as a line or a graft to extend their criminal activity business into new locations – usually from a city into rural locations.

During the week officers in Cheshire arrested 10 men and four women on suspicion of drug offences and executed a number of warrants which resulted in heroin, cannabis and cocaine being seized.

At least 28 people who were identified as victims of cuckooing were visited by police and provided with specialist support and advice.

There were also cross border operations with neighbouring forces.

Chief Superintendent Gareth Lee said: "We carried out a range of activity including disrupting gangs by making arrests and seizing drugs, but we also had a big focus on identifying and engaging with people whose homes are being taken over by drug dealers."

John Dwyer, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, said: "Preventing and protecting Cheshire's communities from serious and organised crime is a key focus for me and I will make sure it continues to be a priority for the force."

Last month Cheshire Police linked up with Merseyside Police for a joint operation which saw five people arrested in Crewe for alleged drugs offences.