SEVEN people in West Somerset have been arrested this week as part of a county lines investigation.

Five people have since been charged with drug-related offences.

Phoenix Fox, 32, and Clare Finka, 47, both from Bridgwater and Natasia Gayle, 25, from Wolverhampton, have each been charged with being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

Tina Austin-Saunders, 42, and Lewis Cunningham, 19, both from Bridgwater, have been charged with being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine.

The charges related to alleged drug offences between July 4 and November 24.

All five were remanded in custody and appeared at Taunton Magistrates Court yesterday (Friday, November 26).

A 31-year-old man who was arrested has been interviewed and released under investigation.

And a 32-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man, who were also arrested, have since been released on police bail.

Detective inspector Scott Chadwick said: “These arrests and charges are the latest stage of our work to combat county lines gangs who are importing drugs into Avon and Somerset and organising the dealing of these in our towns and villages.

"We are working closely with our colleagues across the UK to ensure those behind these activities are brought to justice.”

Weapons, drugs and cash were also discovered during the investigation. Specialist drugs officers, neighbourhood policing teams, operational support, intelligence, dog operations and West Midlands Police all worked together during the operation.

In October, during a national County Lines intensification week Avon and Somerset Police visited 380 addresses where occupants are believed to be at risk from, or involved in, county lines.

READ MORE: Nearly 1,500 suspects arrested in week-long county lines crackdown

County Lines is a term used to describe gangs and organised criminal networks involved in transporting illegal drugs, often from large cities into towns and villages, using dedicated mobile phone lines or other form of “deal line” to take orders.

The organisers will often exploit children and vulnerable adults to move and store drugs and money and will often use coercion, intimidation, violence (including sexual violence) and weapons.

Anyone with information about drug activity in their community can call 101 or report online at Avon and Somerset Police or alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.