West Midlands Police called in the bomb disposal unit after arresting five men during a County Lines drugs bust in Sandwell and Dudley this morning (Tuesday, August 11). The operation targeted the so-called 'Dappa Line', which police say supplied Class A drugs across the Black Country.
The five men, aged 18, 23, 25, 37 and 38, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and possession of weapon offences. They remain in custody for questioning.
Warrants and discovery of suspected gunpowder
During the early-morning warrants, officers recovered multiple mobile phones suspected to be linked to drug dealing, along with cash, knives, imitation firearms and ammunition. At one address, suspected gunpowder was discovered, prompting the involvement of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: "We have arrested five men after our County Lines Task Force carried out multiple warrants across Sandwell and Dudley this morning. The warrants were carried out as we seek to dismantle the 'Dappa Line,' which is understood to have supplied Class A drugs around the Black Country."
No wider threat to community
The spokesperson added: "Following the early-morning warrants five men aged 18, 23, 25, 37 and 38, have all been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and possession of weapon offences. They remain in custody for questioning. Multiple mobile phones which are suspected to be linked to drug dealing were recovered along with cash, knives, imitation firearms and ammunition. Suspected gun powder has been discovered at one address and searches are ongoing along with assistance from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). However, there is not thought to be any wider threat to the community."
Police confirmed that searches are continuing at the affected addresses, with the EOD team assisting. The force stressed there is no indication of any broader risk to residents.
Part of Operation Target
The arrests are part of Operation Target, West Midlands Police's ongoing crackdown on serious and organised crime. The County Lines Task Force is specifically focused on disrupting drug supply networks operating across the region.
"Our County Lines Task Force is committed to disrupting the supply of drugs in the West Midlands and is relentlessly targeting those suspected of involvement in it," the spokesperson said. "It's all part of Operation Target, our ongoing fight against serious and organised crime in the West Midlands. Officers work 24/7 to disrupt and arrest those involved in guns, drugs, money laundering and exploitation."
The five men remain in police custody as investigations continue. Further charges are expected to be brought as the evidence is reviewed.
