Boys, 11, found with cannabis in drugs crackdown

Two boys have been found carrying cannabis in East Sussex in a crackdown on county lines drug dealing.

British Transport Police (BTP) said they caught the 11-year-olds at Eastbourne station after they were spotted trying to get into a taxi alone.

Both boys were returned home and are now subject to child protection and safeguarding plans, a BTP spokesperson said.

County lines is where illegal drugs are transported from one area to another, usually by children or vulnerable people who are coerced into it by gangs, according to the National Crime Agency.

The "county line" is the mobile phone line used to take drug orders, it added.

The boys' detection comes as part of a week-long, country-wide BTP operation against county lines, during which the BTP said it made 60 arrests and "protected" more than 20 people.

"Numerous" weapons - including an imitation firearm and two Samurai swords - and drugs were seized, the force added.

More than £13,000 of illicit cash and 46 phones linked to drug supply were also confiscated, it continued.

"We will not waver in our mission to bring down these drugs lines and to put the organised criminals that run them and prey on the vulnerable behind bars," said Supt David Udomhiaye.

"Potentially life-changing interventions have been made to children who were at the mercy of these gangs."

BTP says signs of child exploitation include frequently travelling alone, particularly in school hours or late at night, carrying lots of cash, possessing more than one phone, potentially being under the influence of drugs or alcohol and begging in public.

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.