Insights Perspectives
Jess Hull, Policy and Communications Analyst
County lines drug dealing continues to be one of the most significant challenges for policing, the criminal justice system and health and welfare agencies across the UK. Research from the University of Nottingham's Rights Lab has revealed an increase in self-harm and suicide attempts among children and young people admitted into hospital with clear links to county lines. In May, as part of a clampdown on county lines, police across the country carried out raids, leading to the arrest of 1,100 people and the seizure of 292 weapons.
At Crest, we've been conducting extensive research into county lines and have compiled a briefing on the issue. This briefing identifies five key challenges to tackling the exploitation of vulnerable children in county lines drugs networks.