Criminals exploit vulnerable people, including children and those with mental health or addiction issues
County lines is the name given to drug dealing where organised criminal groups (OCGs) use phone lines to move and supply drugs, usually from cities into smaller towns and rural areas.
They exploit vulnerable people, including children and those with mental health or addiction issues, by recruiting them to distribute the drugs. This is often referred to as ‘drug running’. Criminals may also use a vulnerable person’s home as their base of operations. This is known as ‘cuckooing’.
There are several signs to look out for that may indicate someone is involved in county lines:
• repeatedly going missing from school or home and being found in other areas.
• having money, new clothes or electronic devices and they can’t explain how they paid for them.
• getting high numbers of texts or phone calls, being secretive about who they’re speaking to
• decline in school or work performance.
• significant changes in emotional or physical well-being
If you’re concerned about drug-related crime in your area or think someone may be a victim of drug exploitation, please follow this link for more advice and information.
https://www.south-wales.police.uk/…/cl/county-lines
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