While the operation resulted in a total of 43 arrests across Scotland, police were keen to highlight work done to help those they say were being exploited.
Of the 38 vulnerable people “safeguarded” and referred to agencies, nine of them were children.
Four people went on to be referred to the Home Office as potential victims of human trafficking and modern slavery.
Lesley Gordon, of Action for Children, described the use of young people in crime as “child abuse”.
She continued: “The impact of criminal exploitation, including ‘county lines’, on the lives of children and young people is utterly devastating.
“We continue to see the serious harms inflicted by the exploiters on children, their families and their local communities.
“Through our criminal exploitation intervention services across Scotland and the UK, we support children, young people and families affected by exploitation working closely in partnership with police and other agencies.”
Assistant Ch Con Stuart Houston, head of organised crime and counter terrorism, said: “Organised criminals don’t care about the people they harm, they only care about power and money.
“This is simply not welcome or tolerated in Scotland.”
He added: “But we can’t do it alone. If something doesn’t look or feel right, trust your instincts and report it.
“Even a small bit of information can make a significant difference and help protect our communities.”