THIRTEEN more people were arrested today as part of a police crackdown on County Lines drugs gangs in Swindon.

The total number since Wiltshire Police launched Operation Samphire on Monday with a series of raids now stands at 46.

Five of today's arrests were not drug related but were proactive arrests by officers involved in the operation.

The man leading it, Det Insp Paul Franklin, is reminding the public of the importance of reporting concerns regarding drug activity in their area.

He said: “It’s really important that drug supply is not seen as a victimless crime – people’s lives are being ruined - not just those directly involved, but those living within our communities too.”

Today’s arrests were:

:: A 41-year-old man from Swindon arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

:: A 26-year-old woman from Swindon on suspicion of supply of a class B drug

:: A 20-year-old man from Swindon on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs

:: A 50-year-old man from Swindon on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs

:: A 47-year-old man from Swindon on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs

:: A 35-year-old Swindon man on suspicion of possession of a class A drug

:: A 53-year-old Swindon man on suspicion of robbery

:: A 16-year-old boy from Swindon on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs

:: A 29-year-old man from Swindon wanted on warrant for failing to appear in court

:: A 35-year-old man wanted on warrant after failing to appear in court

:: A 25-year-old man on suspicion of robbery

:: A 37-year-old man from Swindon on suspicion of handling stolen goods.

:: An 18-year-old Swindon man on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class B drugs

Det Insp Franklin added: “County Lines drugs gangs do not care about the young or vulnerable people they are recruiting to do their dirty work by peddling drugs within our communities.

“All too often we are seeing people being exploited at the hands of these gang members with a promise of cash or designer goods. The reality in fact is that these people are threatened with violence and weapons if they do not conform to those leading the gangs.

“I am all too aware of the negative impact that this kind of activity can then have on a neighbourhood – nobody wants to feel concerned about whether the street they live on is safe for their children to play in, and that is why we are working hard to rid our streets of drugs and the associated violence and anti-social behaviour."

“These raids are as much about disrupting the county lines by seizing the drugs and weapons, as well as arresting those in the middle of the chain, and making Swindon seem an undesirable place for county lines gangs to operate. We continue to liaise with neighbouring police forces to target those higher up the chain.

“We are also working closely with local schools, colleges and the councils to educate young people of the dangers involved in county lines.”

To report concerns in your area, call 101.