Turning Teens Into Drug Runners

Synopsis

County lines involve inner-city criminal gangs exploiting vulnerable teenagers, some as young as 12, to transport and sell drugs in market and coastal towns across the UK. With over 2,000 drug routes generating more than a billion dollars annually, an estimated 46,000 teens are groomed for this illicit trade, often facing severe abuse. Despite being victims of trafficking, many are charged with weapon offenses under the Modern Slavery Act, as they arm themselves for protection against rival gangs and addicts.