Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)

County lines is when gangs or drug networks move drugs from big cities to smaller towns and rural areas. They use mobile phones, called ‘deal lines’, to take drug orders.

These gangs often exploit children and vulnerable adults to carry drugs, move money, or hide drugs in their homes. They may use threats, violence, and weapons like knives or even acid and guns to control people.

County lines is a serious problem. It involves crime, violence, and exploitation, and it can have a devastating impact on young people, families, and communities.

Lots of organisations, like the police, schools, social workers, and charities, are working together to stop it and to keep people safe.