This week sees our focus on County Lines. 

County Lines is the term used to describe drug dealing where mobile phones are used to orchestrate drug supply from large cities to towns and rural areas.

County Lines are run by ‘Line Holders’. The runners, often young and vulnerable children, deliver the drugs. Dealers offer cash, mobile phones, vapes and clothes in so-called "business opportunities" promoted on social media.

Criminals may also use a vulnerable person’s home as their base of operations. This is known as ‘cuckooing’.

The system of drug distribution leads to serious violence and exploitation.

Police forces across the UK are using the full force of the law, including increased use of modern slavery legislation to charge line holders, not only for drug supply but also human trafficking offences.

This legislation, which can include preventative and restrictive measures, can help ensure line holders are subject to Court Orders with strict conditions, often for many years after they leave custody.

“The message is clear: if you are line holder, abusing vulnerable people and causing misery to our communities, we are coming after you.”