WEAPONS, drugs and cash have been recovered in a West Somerset raid on a ‘county lines’ drug gang which resulted in eight arrests, Avon and Somerset Police revealed this week.

Two men and two women from Bridgwater and a man from Wolverhampton have been charged with being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine and were set to appear before Taunton magistrates.

A woman and two other men have been released on bail and under investigation. The charges relate to alleged drug offences between July 4 and November 24.

The joint operation, with West Midlands Police, involved specialist drugs officers, neighbourhood policing teams, operational support, intelligence and dog teams.

Detective Inspector Scott Chadwick said: “These arrests and charges are the latest stage in our work to combat county lines gangs who are importing drugs into Avon and Somerset and organising the dealing of these in our towns and villages.

“We are working closely with our colleagues across the UK to ensure that those behind these activities are brought to justice.”

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman added: “County lines is a term used to describe gangs and organised criminal networks in transporting illegal drugs, often from large cities into towns and villages, often using dedicated mobile phone lines to take orders.

“The organisers will often exploit children and vulnerable adults to move and store drugs and money, and will often use coercion, intimidation, violence - including sexual violence - and weapons.”

In October, during a national county lines intensification week, Avon and Somerset police visited 380 addresses where occupants were believed to be at risk from, or involved in, county lines.

Police ask anyone with information about West Somerset drug activity in their community to contact them on phone number 101.