"It felt like I was losing my son": How drugs gangs are grooming children
46,000 children are involved in drugs gangs, one charity has reported
Last updated 18th Oct 2021
A mother didn't know if her 15-year-old son was "dead or alive" after he'd been groomed by a gang and used to transport drugs.
'County Lines' drugs gangs target young people to carry cash and illegal substances, often without their parents knowledge.
Jenny has agreed to share her story, after her 15-year-old son was arrested 75 miles from home, and charged with intent to supply drugs.
READ MORE: What is County Lines?
Gang members groomed him with gifts, before telling him if he didn't do as they said, they'd kill his family.
The Children's Society, a charity campaigning to end child exploitation by drugs gangs, reported that nearly 46,000 young people could be involved in County LInes in England alone.
"I didn't know whether he was dead or alive"
Jenny told us: "It’s the worst thing. It felt like I was losing my son. I didn’t know whether he was dead or alive.
"Throughout this time, I lost myself, the thought of my son in places no child should be, my mind would wander and my imagination would take me to the coldest, darkest drug dens where I would imagine him sitting, being forced to stay awake and work for these vile criminals.
READ MORE: How to spot the signs of County Lines in children
"Before this happened, I knew absolutely not one thing. I was really angry when I found out that this was actually happening to children. It takes me back a bit, just thinking about all the signs that I missed and, if I’d known about them, would I have caught on.
"My son had expensive bottles of alcohol, a weed crusher and Rizla paper in his drawer and I was thinking, “Where did you get these things from, because I haven’t given you pocket money?”. I was thinking, “He’s just a teenager, maybe his friends have got them, but it wasn’t, it was obviously him being groomed."
The 'life-shattering' impact of being groomed by drugs gangs
After a long journey through the judicial system, Jenny's son was cleared of charges. Jenny was supported throughout this time by a Children's Society counsellor.
"Although we have gone through this heart-destroying, rollercoaster of a journey that has shattered not just his and my life, but also my youngest son, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
"We’re now looking forward to a fresh start and we’re in the process of new beginnings. This move to a new area will be the final chapter of a really horrible story, and we can start afresh and look forward to better things. "
What to do if you're worried about a young person?
- People should report any concerns to the police on 101.
- If on a train text British Transport Police on 61016.
- Dial 999 if there is an immediate risk to a child.
- Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously online or call their helpline on 0800 555111.
Signs of County Lines in children
What are the signs that children are being exploited?
There are a number of signs which may help reveal whether a child is being exploited by County Lines drugs gangs. It is up to the public and campaigns like #LookCloser to identify these signs and help protect children at risk.
Children looking anxious or lost
Children travelling alone frequently, either at night or during school hours, is one sign to look out for. Children that are being exploited may appear lost or unfamiliar with their surroundings. Appearing anxious, frightened and angry is also an indicator.
Carrying two phones
Being in possession of more than one phone is an indicator that children may be contacting the individuals or groups that are exploiting them.
Carrying lots of cash
Carrying large sums of money is another sign to look out for when worried that a child is being exploited.
Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Children involved with County Lines drugs gangs could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Being controlled by others
Being instructed or controlled by another individual, or being accompanied by people that are older than them, is another sign that a child may be being exploited.
Begging for money
Children that are begging in a public space is another indicator.
Where to spot children being exploited by County Lines gangs
It's important to know where children that are being exploited might be found. Buses, trains, trams and other forms of public transport are used to move children. Food outlets or roadside services may be used for children to stock up on amenities. Hotels, salons and car washes may be places where exploitation happens 'behind closed doors'.
Will there be exploited children near me?
There's a chance you might come across a child being exploited when at your place of work. They may be found in banks when moving money between accounts.
Taxis and private hire vehicles may be used by children when in contact with those who are exploiting them; it's important for taxi drivers to not ignore concerning phone conversations.
Takeaway and delivery drivers who visit residential areas and travel through public spaces may have the opportunity to identify a household in which children are being exploited. Retail workers may come into contact with children that are stealing items or begging for money, which are also signifiers.
Hotels, caravan parks and rented accommodation are used to abuse and exploit children. Workers should keep an eye out for young people checking in with adults that do not appear to be their parents.