County Lines Programme overview
Updated 11 December 2023
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/county-lines-programme/county-lines-programme-overview
County lines
‘County lines’ is a term used to describe gangs and organised criminal networks involved in exporting illegal drugs into one or more importing areas within the UK, using dedicated mobile phone lines or other form of “deal line”.
They are likely to exploit children and vulnerable adults to move and store the drugs and money and they will often use coercion, intimidation, violence (including sexual violence) and weapons.
The government is determined to crack down on the county lines gangs who are exploiting our children and have a devastating impact on our communities which is why in November 2019, the Home Office established the County Lines Programme to enhance the response to this threat.
Home Office programme
The County Lines Programme was launched by the Home Office in November 2019.
Our overall programme package includes:
- expanding the National County Lines Co-ordination Centre (NCLCC)
- increased disruption on the rail networks by the British Transport Police’s County Lines Taskforce
- targeted operational activity against lines, including 4 major exporting force areas:
- Greater Manchester Police
- Metropolitan Police Service
- Merseyside Police
- West Midlands Police
- investment in new technology including Automatic Number Plate Recognition
- increased support for victims
Impact
Since the County Lines Programme launched in 2019:
- 5,165 county lines have been closed
- 15,623 people have been arrested
- 8,011 individuals have been referred by police to safeguarding
These figures are correct as of 11 December 2023.
Since April 2022, over 2,100 lines have been closed meaning the government has already surpassed its target to close 2,000 lines over the 3 years up to March 2025.
The latest County Lines Programme data is available on GOV.UK.
Investment
On 6 December 2021, the government published a 10-year drugs strategy to combat illicit drugs.
Through the strategy, we will support our flagship County Lines Programme, investing up to £145 million over 3 years to tackle the most violent and exploitive distribution model yet seen.
This new funding will build on over £65 million invested in tackling drugs supply and county lines since November 2019.