County Lines & Child Exploitation: The Hidden Crisis Destroying Young Lives

Kulturalism Team
Feb 19
4 min read

Updated: Feb 26

(How young people are groomed into crime.)

What Are County Lines?

Imagine being 14 years old and receiving a message from someone who seems to have all the answers—money, protection, respect. At first, they make you feel important, part of something bigger. But before you know it, you're being sent miles away from home, carrying packages of drugs, answering to violent criminals, and living in constant fear.

This is the brutal reality of County Lines—an illegal drug-running operation that exploits vulnerable children and young people to transport and sell drugs across the country. The criminals behind these operations hide in the shadows, manipulating young people through coercion, threats, and violence.

County Lines is not just a drug problem—it’s a modern form of slavery, one that traps thousands of children in a cycle of exploitation, violence, and fear.

The Alarming Statistics

46,000 children in England are thought to be involved in gangs, with many exploited through County Lines operations. childrenssociety.org.uk
In a recent crackdown, authorities arrested 652 men and 91 women, and safeguarded 389 vulnerable adults and 292 children from exploitation. nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk
The National Police Chiefs' Council reported that 22% of individuals involved in County Lines are children, highlighting the significant risk of child criminal exploitation. news.npcc.police.uk

Kai’s Story: "I Thought They Had My Back"

Kai was 14 when he met Darnell, a 19-year-old who always had the latest trainers, a flashy car, and wads of cash. Darnell made Kai feel like family—he bought him food, gave him money, and said he could make £500 a day just by running a few errands.

At first, it seemed like easy money. But the job quickly changed. Kai was sent to a house two hours away from home. The windows were covered, the front door was barricaded, and he wasn’t allowed to leave. A gang-controlled “spot” where drugs were stored and sold.

When Kai asked to go home, Darnell laughed. “You owe us now.” The money he had been "given" was a debt—one that could only be paid off by working.

Kai was beaten when he made mistakes, threatened if he refused to comply, and left with no way out.

It took a police raid to rescue him. But even after he got out, the fear stayed. The gang had his name, his address, his little sister’s school details. Would they ever really let him go?

The Grooming Process

How Gangs Trap Young People

County Lines gangs are highly organised and know exactly how to manipulate young people. They use a calculated grooming process, similar to how child sexual exploitation works:

Targeting the Vulnerable – They look for young people who are struggling—those with unstable home lives, low self-esteem, or a desire for money and respect.
Building Trust – The gang offers gifts, money, and a sense of belonging. They present themselves as friends or even family.
Isolation – Once trust is built, they separate the victim from family, school, and safe spaces.
Exploitation Begins – The young person is now in debt. The gang demands payback—whether through selling drugs, committing robberies, or carrying weapons.
Control Through Fear – Threats, blackmail, and violence are used to ensure silence and loyalty.

Victims are too scared to seek help.

Jamie’s Story: "I Was Just Running an Errand"

Jamie was 15 when he was approached by a group of older guys outside a chicken shop. He knew who they were—people didn’t mess with them. When they offered him £100 to deliver a package, he said yes.

It was easy money, or so he thought. One errand turned into two, then five. Soon, he was getting calls in the middle of the night.

The first time he tried to refuse, they sent him a photo of his little brother leaving school. "You don’t say no to us."

Jamie’s world became a nightmare. He was skipping school, lying to his mum, and living in constant fear. He was trapped in a world he never wanted to be part of.

It took a teacher noticing the changes—his mood swings, his expensive new trainers, his sudden absences—to get him help. He was connected to a support worker who helped him break free.

But the scars of County Lines don’t fade overnight.

Jamie is still looking over his shoulder.

The Signs of County Lines Exploitation

Parents, teachers, and community members need to spot the warning signs early. Some key red flags include:

Unexplained money or expensive items – New designer clothes, trainers, or phones they can’t account for.
Going missing for long periods – Often traveling to unfamiliar places.
Multiple mobile phones – Often known as “burners” used for drug dealing.
Sudden changes in behavior – Becoming secretive, withdrawn, aggressive, or anxious.
Physical injuries – Unexplained bruises or marks (often from gang violence).
Use of unfamiliar slang – Phrases like “going country” or “on job.”
New friendships with older individuals – Particularly those who appear to have money and status.

Breaking the Cycle: How to Get Help

County Lines thrives on silence and fear —but there is a way out. If you or someone you know is being exploited:

Talk to someone you trust – A teacher, youth worker, or family member.
Report it anonymously – Use Crimestoppers (0800 555 111) to provide information without revealing your identity.crimestoppers-uk.org
Know your rights – Children forced into criminal activity are victims, not criminals. They have the right to protection and support.
Seek professional help – Organisations like Catch22 offer confidential support. catch-22.org.uk

The Truth About County Lines

Gangs sell a dream—money, respect, protection. But the reality is:

You’re disposable. When you get caught, they move on to the next victim.
You don’t get rich. The gang leaders do. You take all the risks, while they sit back.
You won’t be protected. If you get arrested or robbed, the gang won’t help you.
There is a way out. No one is too deep to escape— but the first step is asking for help.

TAKE ACTION NOW!

If you or someone you know is being exploited by County Lines gangs:

📞 Call Crimestoppers anonymously: 0800 555 111

🌐 Visit Catch22 for confidential help and support.

👁️ Be the change – Report what you see and help save a life.