Crack cocaine, heroin and cash seized as police make multiple arrests during targeted drugs operation in Kettering to disrupt county lines

The operation, which police say delivered a series of ‘strong results in the fight against county lines criminality,’ saw officers execute drugs warrants, conduct proactive arrests and carry out high‑visibility patrols across the town, including enhanced policing at Kettering train station with a dedicated drugs dog.

Key results achieved in Kettering

Officers conducted 10 stop searches, resulting in two ‘significant’ arrests linked to suspected drug supply:

- An 18-year-old man from Birmingham arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. Multiple mobile phones and a large quantity of cash were seized and 45 wraps of heroin found.

- A 17-year-old male from Birmingham arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and possession of Class B drugs. Multiple phones and cash were recovered.

Both were released on bail with strict conditions preventing them from entering Northamptonshire.

- Arrest in Windmill Avenue

An 18-year-old male from Rochdale was charged with possession with intent to supply heroin and cocaine, possession of criminal property, following intelligence-led action at an address in Windmill Avenue.

- Officers also recovered multiple phones, drug-dealing paraphernalia including scales, 106 wraps of crack cocaine, 27 wraps of heroin and cash during the operation.

- Safeguarding-led arrest in King Street

A 16-year-old boy from Birmingham was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. More than 100 wraps of suspected Class A drugs, cash, scales and a knife seized. He was bailed and returned home to Birmingham, with safeguarding measures put in place to protect him from further exploitation.

Officers also visited multiple addresses across Kettering linked to suspected cuckooing, ensuring vulnerable residents received support and safeguarding interventions.

While the intensification week focused resources across a short period, Northamptonshire Police has emphasised that this forms part of a ‘relentless’ year‑round strategy to dismantle county lines networks.

The force continues to work closely with partners including the Metropolitan Police, West Midlands Police and British Transport Police, ensuring criminals operating across borders face disruption at every stage.

Police have said Kettering is ‘not a safe haven for drug dealers’ and officers will continue to target those seeking to exploit vulnerable people within the community.

Field intelligence officer, Mark Walker, said: “The results we have achieved in Kettering over this intensification period highlight the impact of targeted, intelligence‑led policing.

"County lines criminals deliberately exploit young and vulnerable people, often bringing significant levels of violence, drugs and harm into our communities.

“Our officers have been able to intercept offenders at key transport hubs, carry out proactive enforcement at local addresses, and swiftly remove significant quantities of Class A drugs from the streets.

"This operation has not only disrupted active lines but has also provided safeguarding opportunities for those being taken advantage of by criminal networks.

“Our message is simple – Kettering is not a safe place for anyone intent on dealing drugs or exploiting others.

"We are committed to protecting the public and will continue to work closely with other regional forces. Our work is relentless and we will keep targeting those who think they can profit from bringing harm into Northamptonshire.”