County Lines
Understanding how criminal networks use children and young people as runners in drug supply operations, and how to spot the warning signs.
What is this?
County lines is the term used to describe a model of drug distribution in which criminal gangs export drugs from cities to smaller towns, villages, and rural areas using children and vulnerable people to carry and sell drugs. Children are groomed, coerced, or forced into acting as runners or drug holders, often under the threat of violence. It is a form of child criminal exploitation and is treated as a safeguarding priority by police, schools, and social care.
How it works
Gangs typically target vulnerable young people — those who are isolated, in care, or experiencing difficulties at home. Children may initially be offered gifts, money, or a sense of belonging before being coerced into carrying drugs. Once involved, children are frequently controlled through debt bondage, violence, or threats to their families. The 'county line' itself is a mobile phone number used to take drugs orders.
Warning signs
In your child's behaviour
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On their device
- • Receiving a high volume of calls and texts from unknown numbers at all hours
- • Using encrypted messaging apps such as Snapchat or Signal for communications they are secretive about
- • References to drug supply, money, or gang activity in messages or social media
Prevention steps
Know the county lines indicators and share information
All staff in schools, youth services, and social care should know the county lines warning signs. Information sharing between agencies is critical — use your local MASH and attend multi-agency risk assessment conferences (MARAC/MACE) where relevant.
Build trusted relationships with young people
Young people who have a trusted adult they can speak to are more likely to disclose involvement or seek help. Early relationship-building through youth work and pastoral support is a key preventive strategy.
Respond to all missing episodes as potential exploitation
Every time a young person goes missing should be treated as a potential county lines or exploitation incident. Return home interviews should explore this possibility in a trauma-informed, non-judgemental way.
What to do if it happens
- 1If you believe a young person is involved in county lines, contact children's social care and the police immediately. Do not confront the young person in a way that could put them or others at risk.
- 2Report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you have information about a county lines operation. You can also contact the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700.
- 3Refer the young person to specialist support services. County lines exploitation causes significant trauma and requires a coordinated, trauma-informed response from multiple agencies.
Related topics
This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last reviewed: 2026-04-10