Police raise concerns over youngsters being recruited into ‘county lines’ drug gangs

Police in North Wales have raised concerns over youngsters being recruited into ‘county lines’ drug gangs.

‘County lines’ is a term used to describe gangs and organised criminal networks involved in transporting illegal drugs into other areas of the UK, using a dedicated mobile phone line.

The business model often exploits children and vulnerable adults to move and store drugs and is often characterised by the use of coercion, intimidation, violence and weapons.

Members of the Denbighshire Coastal and Abergele neighbourhood policing team say they are worried about the issue locally.

They are asking parents to look out for signs their children may be involved in gang-related activities.

In a post shared on Facebook yesterday, they said: “Denbighshire Coastal and Abergele Neighbourhood Policing Team are asking for your help in relation to ‘County Lines’.

“We are becoming more and more concerned about teenagers in the local area who are being recruited into this lifestyle, either through peer pressure, a drug debt or just wanting to fit in somewhere.

“The business model for a ‘County Line’ typically involves one ‘controller phone’ which advertises the sale of Class A drugs, accepts call from Class A drug users and then co-ordinates the delivery of Class A drugs to meet any orders placed.

“Some of the signs to look out for, if you have concerns that your child or a family member are involved, are:

• Has your child gone from being an extrovert to a sudden introvert?
• Does your child suddenly have expensive items of clothing or cash they cannot account for?
• Does your child have multiple mobile phones?
• Have their usual circle of friends completely changed?
• Does your child disappear for hours on end with no explanation?
• Are they using drugs and alcohol all of a sudden?
• Are they frequently skipping school?
• Are they suddenly being controlled by older associates or involved in gangs?
• Are they suddenly using the train as a mode of transport?
• Has their physical appearance changed?

“If you have any concerns regarding your child, you can call us confidentially via the North Wales Police webchat, Crimestoppers 0800 555 111, email Rhylsector@northwales.police.uk or by contacting 101 or 999 in an emergency.

“You can also attend at Rhyl Police Station and speak with a member of our Neighbourhood Policing Team.”