The NCA Definition
County lines is a term used by the National Crime Agency to describe criminal networks — typically based in large cities — exploiting children, young people, and vulnerable adults to transport and sell drugs into smaller towns, coastal areas, and rural communities — often, but not always, across county borders. The "line" is the dedicated mobile phone number used to receive drug orders.
The NPCC's 2024–25 County Lines Strategic Threat Assessment identifies over 6,500 active lines across England, Scotland and Wales — including internal lines operating within a single area (NPCC 2024–25; includes internal lines). The NCA's separate narrower count, focusing on lines crossing force boundaries, is approximately 2,000 (NCA 2023–24). Children as young as 11 have been identified as runners.
How Lines Operate
A criminal network in a hub city establishes a mobile number in a target market town. Orders are fulfilled by runners — frequently children — who travel from the hub to deliver drugs and return money. Runners often stay in a cuckooed address — the home of a vulnerable person taken over through threats or exploitation of addiction — for days or weeks at a time.
Who Is Targeted
- Children in or recently leaving care (Centre for Social Justice, 2024: in 61% of LAs, two thirds of NRM referrals for CCE involved a looked-after or child-in-need)
- Young people excluded from school or at a Pupil Referral Unit
- Those with family members already involved in drug supply or gang activity
- Children from households affected by domestic abuse, substance misuse, or mental ill-health
The Critical Safeguarding Point
⚠ Children involved in county lines are victims of exploitation, not willing criminals.
The Modern Slavery Act 2015 s.45 provides a statutory defence for children compelled to commit offences as a result of exploitation. Arrest and prosecution without first considering victim status is contrary to CPS guidance and may constitute a breach of Article 4 ECHR rights.
What Officers Must Do
- Approach every contact through a safeguarding lens first
- Check the child against the missing persons index (PND) immediately
- Make a MASH referral where county lines exploitation is suspected — do not wait for certainty
- Apply the Modern Slavery Act 2015 s.45 analysis before any charging decision
- Complete a Return to Home Interview (RTH) if the child was missing
Key contacts
- 📞 NCA Intelligence: Contact your force's ROCU
- 📞 NSPCC (safeguarding advice): 0808 800 5000
- 📞 Modern Slavery Helpline (NRM guidance): 08000 121 700