A MAN and a teenager who were driving in Chippenham have been arrested after officers stopped a car thought to be linked to county lines.

In the early hours of this morning (October 18), officers stopped a car driving close to Chippenham and a 42-year-old man from Bristol and a 16-year-old boy from London, who were inside, were both searched.

A quantity of cash, class A drugs and a knife were found inside the car.

Both were arrested on suspicion of being involved in the supply of class A drugs. The elder man was also arrested on suspicion of possessing a bladed article. They are both currently in custody.

Head of Crime Prevention for Wiltshire Police Sonja Leith said: “County lines is everyone’s responsibility and I would urge members of the public to be vigilant and look out for some of the most visible signs that county lines drugs gangs are operating in neighbourhoods and to report this to police.

“Together with our partner agencies across Swindon and Wiltshire, we work hard to identify where county lines are exploiting vulnerable children and adults, to proactively disrupt these networks and to safeguard and protect those at risk of harm. The intelligence we receive from our communities is crucial in helping us, our partner agencies and neighbouring forces tackle county lines.

“By raising awareness of the issue, I hope more people will be able to spot the signs and feel comfortable in reporting information to the police. Your call could save lives."

Acting Insp Don Pocock said: "As part of our on-going work to disrupt county lines gangs across Wiltshire our intelligence lead us to stop this vehicle and subsequently discover drugs, a weapon and cash linked to drug dealing.

“This action will have helped disrupt main line class A drug supply into Chippenham and possibly other parts of Wiltshire.

"I would urge members of the public to be vigilant and look out for some of the most visible signs that county lines drugs gangs are operating in neighbourhoods and to report this to us by calling 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."