Three people from Grantham were arrested as part of a major police drugs crackdown.

Officers from Lincolnshire Police last week visited 16 properties across the region suspected of being cuckooed by county lines drug dealers.

The visits were part of a nationwide drive by the police and the National Crime Agency to tackle known county lines and ensure drug users vulnerable to exploitation are offered help and support.

A police spokesperson said: "Three people were arrested from Grantham. One address was searched in London Road, Grantham. They were all arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs.

"Items recovered included a quantity of unknown tablets due to be tested, mobile phones, a selection of knives including a machete and a combat knife."

'Cuckooing' is the term used for when drug dealers use violence, exploitation and intimidation to take over the home of a vulnerable person in order to use it as a base for drug dealing.

'County lines' refers to the gangs and organised criminal networks involved in exporting illegal drugs into one or more importing areas in the UK, using dedicated mobile phone lines or another form of 'deal line'.

Gangs based in cities are targeting the most vulnerable people in smaller areas across the country, including Lincolnshire, to sell class A drugs on their behalf.

Nationally over`586 arrests were made between May 13-20.

As part of the week of action, a number of warrants were executed at properties across Lincolnshire, including Grantham, linked to drugs, and resulting in the arrest of nine people, seven men and two women. Five of these arrests were made in connection with possession with intent to supply and four were for being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs. All of those arrested have been either released under investigation, released on bail or released with no further action. Four different County Lines were identified during the week of action. In total, across Lincolnshire, 12 vulnerable adults were spoken to following welfare checks. During the warrants officers seized quantities of heroin, cocaine, cannabis and amphetamine and a quantity of unknown tablets. Five knives were also confiscated along with more than £3,000 cash and mobile phones. Detective Chief Inspector Steve Knubley, force lead for county lines, said: "We all know drugs have a detrimental impact on our communities, with anti-social behaviour and other crimes such as theft and burglary committed by users looking to fund their habits. "But county lines gangs also pose a significant threat to users who are especially susceptible to exploitation. Many do not view themselves as victims and are often manipulated into carrying out crimes or subjected to violence. "We are committed to tackling those who inflict such harm on our communities whether they are members of the public, people with substance misuse issues or children vulnerable to exploitation. "In the past week, we have been able to speak face to face with people who may not have otherwise proactively sought help, signposting them to support agencies and giving advice on how to keep themselves safe. "We have also caused significant disruption to the gangs supplying the county lines in our force area, taking drugs and weapons off our streets in the process.

"It is important that everybody recognises the signs of drug activity and exploitation of vulnerable people.

"If you have any information about people you believe are involved in drugs, either as victims or perpetrators, please let us know. We will assess all intelligence received and take robust action where necessary."

Anyone with concerns about County Lines can call us on 101 or call 999 in an emergency. If you'd rather stay anonymous you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

If you are a young person who is worried about being involved in County Lines, or knows someone who is, you can speak to an adult and let them know how you feel and report it to us.

You can also contact www.fearless.org who allow you to pass on information about crime anonymously.