A CLAMP down over drugs gangs using rural towns to push drugs through County Lines saw 63 people arrested in Wiltshire this week.

Operation Jetway involved 50 officers over five days from October 7.

Across the country 743 people were arrested during a national intensification week where police forces across the country targeted major drug gangs.

UK officers also seized £180k in cash, £253,200 worth of cocaine, £100,170 worth of crack cocaine and £72,670 worth of heroin.

169 weapons were seized including: 12 firearms, as well as swords, machetes, an axe, knives, samurai swords and a crossbow

Wiltshire Police detective inspector Paul Franklin said: “Our message to any drug gang in Swindon and Wiltshire is that we are not a soft touch and you are not welcome here - if we find you, we will arrest you.

"The aim of these arrests was to not only target the drug gang leaders, but also provide help for vulnerable people who often get caught up in drug dealing - protecting them and hopefully, with help from our partners, preventing them from falling back into this way of life.

"Our work is as much about protection and prevention as it is enforcement; working with the likes of local councils, schools and colleges, we can ensure that everyone is helping to tackle County Lines."

Police and Crime Commissioner, Angus Macpherson, said: "The 63 arrests in this intensification week is the culmination of weeks of planning and intelligence and it shows the dedication of our officers and staff to crack these destructive County Lines.

"These stats, which feed in to the overall national picture, send a message to the wider community that officers are listening and will take your concerns seriously.

"However, the whole of society needs to help; by using your eyes and ears, you too can help police stamp on these criminal gangs.

"I encourage everyone to make themselves aware of the signs to look out for to help stop these criminals from exploiting our young and vulnerable people.