Police Scotland – Local Commanders Report

COUNTY LINES DRUG DEALING

The term County Lines refers to the use of a single telephone number to order drugs, operated from outside the local area.

Violent behaviour, exploitation and abuse is having an impact on rural communities as well as vulnerable children and adults who are being recruited in major cities to fund and expand various drug networks.

These vulnerable individuals are then forced to transport cash and drugs all over the country, so that the criminals behind them can remain detached and ultimately less likely to be caught.

Scotland is predominantly an importer of County Lines controlled drugs. Our communities suffer from organised crime groups located in England who are sending drug couriers to our country in order to distribute controlled drugs.

Within Tayside we are aware of infiltration from gangs operating out of several of the major cities south of the border.

Our region is also used as a transport route for gangs delivering their drugs to the Highlands and Islands.

Several associated forms of criminality are involved with the County Line methodology such as taking over local addresses occupied by vulnerable people (cuckooing), child criminal exploitation, human trafficking and violence.

Some of the indicators of cuckooing are:

• Vulnerable occupant having new relationships and friends
• Increased visitors throughout the day & night
• Increased vehicles outside of the address; including taxis & hire cars
• Increased anti-social behaviour in the area
• Disengagement with support services
• Drug paraphernalia around the address and the smell of cannabis

Members of the public can help by being aware of people from English cities who suddenly appear in your communities, particularly if they are befriending young or vulnerable people. You can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or of course contact the Police directly.