Young People Are Being Exploited By County Lines Drug Gangs Operating In Scotland
27th February 2023
Fearless - the youth service of independent charity Crimestoppers - has today launched a nationwide campaign in Aberdeen warning of the dangers of County Lines.
Joined by British Transport Police, Police Scotland and Police Scotland Youth Volunteers, the charity is raising awareness of the warning signs of County Lines and urging young people and adults to speak up anonymously with information.
What is County Lines?
'County Lines' is when criminal gangs set up a drug dealing operation outside their usual area, moving their dealing from big cities across the UK to smaller towns in Scotland in order to make more money.
Young, often vulnerable people are forced to transport cash and drugs all over the country, often by train, so that the serious criminals behind them remain detached and are less likely to be caught.
Drug gangs will then set up a new base in a rural area for a short time, often forcibly taking over the home of a vulnerable person and using local young people to act as dealers for them.
This is having a massive impact on Scotland's towns and cities and also on the young people and adults who are being exploited.
The campaign, supported by Network Rail and Scotrail, will use a series of impactful anonymised true stories on Snapchat and TikTok to warn young people of the dangers of becoming involved.
Case studies - anonymised to protect the safety of those involved:
Aaron*, 15 years old, was in care when a criminal targeted him at a local sports club in England. He groomed Aaron - giving him attention and gifts - before forcing him to deliver drugs to a small rural part of Scotland. He threatened to harm him if he told anyone.
Ryan*, 14 years old, had witnessed years of domestic abuse against his mum. When he and his mum eventually fled to a new area, Ryan didn't know anyone and was seriously impacted by the trauma he had witnessed. A woman befriended him and gave him alcohol and drugs. She regularly forced him to transport drugs and sexually abused him as ‘payment' for the Class As he was now addicted to.
Nick*, 12 years old, was targeted by older teenagers at a local football pitch. They encouraged him to run errands for them then, when they had established his trust, passed him on to a serious organised crime gang. He went missing and was found in a trap house many miles from home.
NEW Podcast
The charity has also recorded a special podcast for parents and carers with Daljeet Dagon, Programme Manager from Barnardo's Scotland who gives crucial advice on the signs to look out for. You can listen to it HERE
Speaking on the podcast about the consequences of County Lines involvement, Ms Dagon said, "The ultimate thing that can happen unfortunately, is that young people can be found dead. They can be harmed in significant ways. They can become addicted to drugs. They can also fear for their lives. They're unable to sleep, they're unable to relax as they always need to watch their backs. They can also become disengaged from family and friends in an attempt to keep them safe."
Lyndsay McDade, Fearless National Youth Projects Coordinator at the charity Crimestoppers, said, "Serious organised crime gangs are exploiting children as young as 11 years old in Scotland. Often they target particularly vulnerable young people and either groom them or recruit them using violence and intimidation.
"That’s why it’s crucial that young people and parents/carers alike recognise the signs to look out for and understand the devastating impact that these gangs have.
"If you know or suspect who is behind the drug gang exploitation of young people and vulnerable adults, please go to Fearless.org and tell our charity.
"Fearless.org can’t track your IP address or any personal details. Just tell us what you know. We guarantee you’ll remain 100% anonymous. Always."
Detective Superintendent Garry Mitchell of Police Scotland, said, "Police Scotland officers continue to work hard to keep communities safe and pursue organised criminals who target children and young people.
"Exploiting the most vulnerable in our society is the approach of those who operate County Lines. They intimidate, coerce, threaten and use violence to groom young people and force them to transport, store and sell drugs for their own despicable benefit.
"We will continue to work in partnership with Fearless, Network Rail, British Transport Police and other key stakeholders to safeguard individuals who are recognised as being at risk and are grateful for their support.
"We need the support of local communities to continue to support the vulnerable and target the criminals involved. If you have information about anyone involved in County Lines, and importantly anyone who may be at risk, please get in touch with police or report information 100% anonymously at Fearless.org or by calling them on 0800 555 111."
Chief Inspector Brian McAleese of British Transport Police, said, "County lines gangs target young and vulnerable members of society and exploit them to run harmful drugs between locations, which can be hundreds of miles apart.
"As a force we are dedicated to identifying and safeguarding those exploited in this crime type to pull them out of harm’s way and away from a life of crime. Our specialist teams are working across the railway network every day in Scotland, and the entirety of the UK, to make it a hostile environment for drug suppliers.
“Successfully combatting this offending requires a collaborative approach, not only with our policing colleagues but with the rail industry and the third sector. Fearless’ anonymous reporting service is integral in this work as it provides us with crucial information we use to target and apprehend county lines gangs.
Fearless is the youth service of Crimestoppers charity and works to empower young people to make informed decisions about reporting crime. The website www.fearless.org allows young people to access non-judgemental information and advice about crime and criminality, and also offers a safe place to give information completely anonymously about crime.
