40 Arrested as Project Medusa travels to Devon

Project Medusa, working with Devon and Cornwall Police and the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, have arrested 40 people as part of a two-day operation targeting County Lines drugs supply.

Over 14-15 June, officers carried out the operation in Torquay, Paignton, Teignmouth and Newton Abbot, where 40 people were arrested for offences such as:

• Possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs
• Being concerned in the supply of drugs
• Possession of an offensive weapon
• Money laundering
• Drug driving
• Driving whilst disqualified

Of those arrested, four people were charged to court with offences of possession with intent to supply drugs and being concerned in the supply of drugs.

As part of the operation officers also seized multiple kilograms of suspected Class A and B drugs (Heroin, Cocaine and Amphetamine), electronic scales, multiple bladed weapons, mobile devices, a significant quantity of cash and 12 vehicles.

Project Medusa is Merseyside Police’s response to tackling County Lines and officers from the team will travel across the UK to work with partner forces to cut these lines and bring County Lines offenders to justice. 

Project Medusa’s Inspector Darren Wallace said: “Inspector Darren Wallace said: “Organised crime is hugely damaging to our communities, often involving intimidation, violence and creating fear and it is these criminals who run County Lines. Criminals involved in organised crime have no thought for anyone other than themselves, and their criminal intent and greed.

“Project Medusa is dedicated to cutting these County Lines dead and as this operation has shown, regional boundaries do not matter. We work with partners in other forces to trace those organised criminals responsible and help those who may be exploited by these gangs.”

Chief Superintendent Roy Linden, South Devon Commander said: “Drugs and drug-related crime are extremely harmful to our communities, and operations such as this are crucial to targeting those responsible.

“Working alongside other forces and agencies allows us to maximise information sharing and intelligence in order to target offenders, safeguard vulnerable people and prevent further harm.

“Our message is very clear, we are committed to supporting our communities, protecting the vulnerable and we will pursue those who intend to commit crime here.”