County Lines - The Reality

County Lines is a form of criminal exploitation.

County Lines is a term used to describe gangs and organised criminal networks involved in exporting illegal drugs into one or more importing areas (within the UK), using dedicated mobile phone lines or other form of “deal line”. 

They are likely to exploit children and vulnerable adults to move (and store) the drugs and money, and they will often use coercion, intimidation, violence (including sexual violence) and weapons.

County Lines has a devastating impact on young people, vulnerable adults and local communities.

Gangs will use children and vulnerable people to move drugs and money, by criminally exploiting them. This is often through the promises of gifts, attention and a ‘better’ life, only to find themselves trapped in dangerous situations.

People exploited in this way will quite often be exposed to physical, mental and sexual abuse, and in some instances will be trafficked to areas a long way from home as part of the network’s drug dealing business.

As we have seen in child sexual exploitation, children often don't see themselves as victims or realise they have been groomed to get involved in criminality. So, it's important that we all play our part to understand county lines and speak out if we have concerns. 

“Children being forced to carry drugs internally is a common feature of county lines activity”

What are the signs? 

The signs of grooming can be hard to see. Drug gangs are grooming kids in Lancashire. Know what to look for. Know who to help. The key thing to look for in a young or vulnerable person who maybe being exploited in this way is a change in behaviour or circumstances, including:

If you think there may be dealing or drugs activity happening at a property, the key things to look out for are

What to do if you have concerns? 

The best advice is to trust your instincts. Even if someone isn't involved in County Lines drug dealing, they may be being exploited in some other way, so it's always worth speaking out.

If you believe that someone may be involved in a County Line or other drugs activity, tell us by calling 101 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report your concerns anonymously online at Fearless: Anonymous Reporting for a Safer Community | Crimestoppers. If you think someone is in immediate danger, dial 999.
 

Police response  
Tackling County Lines, and the supply gangs responsible for high levels of violence, exploitation and abuse of vulnerable adults and children, is a priority for police forces and supporting agencies.

Bringing together officers from the National Crime Agency, North West Regional Organised Crime Unit and our officers, we are part of the national multi-agency County Lines coordination centre that works to develop the national intelligence picture, prioritise action against the most serious offenders, and engage with partners across government, including in the health, welfare and education spheres, to tackle the wider issues.

To find out more about the regional County Lines awareness campaign, please visit County Lines - Spot The Signs | Eyes Open