Scot charged after cannabis worth £6.1m seized in County Lines operation

**Scot Faces Charges After £6.1 Million Cannabis Seizure in County Lines Operation**

A man from Motherwell has been charged in connection with a significant cannabis seizure valued at £6.1 million during a County Lines operation. Craig Tomlinson, aged 50, was charged with the supply of Class B drugs following a series of raids carried out across Manchester. The operation, known as Op Blume, was led by British Transport Police, with support from Greater Manchester Police and the City of London Police dog section.

The operation resulted in the recovery of a quarter of a ton of cannabis from an address in Manchester. In addition to Tomlinson, Xiaowu Chen, 56, from Manchester, and a 17-year-old from West Mercia were also charged with drug-related offenses. The raids and searches conducted by the authorities led to the arrest of nine individuals, with 45 stop searches carried out in Manchester, Rochdale, and West Mercia.

During the operation, a knife and £30,000 in cash were confiscated, and two children were identified and referred to safeguarding services. Detective Superintendent Craig Payne of the British Transport Police commended the success of the operation, highlighting the task force’s efforts in dismantling criminal networks and protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation.

County Lines is a term used to describe criminal networks that transport illegal drugs into different areas within the UK. The British Transport Police continues to actively disrupt such activities to safeguard communities and railways. Officers urge the public to report any concerns related to drug trafficking via their discreet text number or helpline.

The investigation and subsequent charges serve as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crimes and protect the welfare of individuals within communities. These operations play a crucial role in disrupting criminal enterprises and ensuring the safety of all individuals involved.

**Summary:**
A man from Motherwell has been charged after a significant cannabis seizure valued at £6.1 million during a County Lines operation across Manchester. The successful raids led by British Transport Police resulted in multiple arrests and the recovery of illicit drugs, cash, and weapons. The operation highlights ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crimes and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation within communities. Detectives urge the public to report any suspicious activities related to drug trafficking to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals.