Nearly 1,000 knives seized and 2,700 drug lines closed in record crackdown

Nearly 1,000 knives seized and 2,700 drug lines closed in record crackdownThe Home Office has announced some 2,740 county lines were shut down between January and December last year, with 1,657 gang leaders charged and 961 blades takenCommentsNewsAlexander Brown Assistant Political Editor22:30, 04 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesNearly 1,000 knives were seized throughout 2025(Image: PA)More than 2,700 drug lines were closed and nearly 1,000 knives were seized throughout 2025 in a “record year” for gang busts.‌The Home Office has announced some 2,740 county lines were shut down between January and December last year, with 1,657 gang leaders charged and 961 blades taken.‌County lines networks are typically gangs based in cities that use phone numbers to sell drugs like cocaine and heroin to customers in other counties and smaller towns.‌READ MORE: National knife crime centre 'victory for families of all those who have lost loved ones'READ MORE: UK lagging dangerously behind on tackling extremism, chilling study by MPs findsView 2 ImagesPolicing minister Sarah Jones vowed to be relentless in her pursuit of criminalsThe criminal gangs use violence in their operations, and often exploit children. The 2025 figures are the highest since records began in 2019. The county lines crackdown has led to a 25% reduction in hospital admissions for stabbings in key areas, preventing more than 800 stabbings a year.‌Policing minister Sarah Jones said: “We are shutting down more criminal lines, busting more gang leaders and seizing more dangerous knives off our streets than ever before. I will not rest in the relentless pursuit of these horrific criminals that leave a trail of violence and exploitation in their wake. The Government will halve knife crime within a decade, saving lives and protecting communities.”It comes as the Government prepares to launch its plan to halve knife crime within a decade next Tuesday, with £34 million investment confirmed for the county lines programme thi...