‘LOOK closer’ is the message from Northumbria Police’s new County Lines coordinator.

Detective Chief Inspector Sue Fryer, who took on the role earlier this year, is aiming to raise awareness about the devastation the illicit practice can have on our communities, and our young people.

The so-called business model sees drug dealers try to expand their illicit operations through dedicated mobile phone lines which sell highly addictive substances at low prices.

Nationally, a week of action was held, which ran from Monday, May 17 – Sunday, May 23.

Northumbria Police detectives arrested 23 people and seized more than £20,000.

Det Ch Insp Fryer said: “We are determined to make sure that County Lines does not take a hold in our region.

“It’s an appalling method of drug dealing which sees those involved adopt aggressive tactics to trap vulnerable users in a cycle which they can’t break free from.”