Situating Vulnerability and Exploitation in Street-Level Drug Markets: Cuckooing, Commuting, and the “County Lines” Drug Supply Model

Abstract

The emergence of “county lines” drug dealing, a supply model which sees drug dealers travel from urban hubs to provincial locations to retail heroin and crack cocaine, is now established in the United Kingdom. This market trend has been associated with novel and evolving distribution practices, yet arguably most problematic is its reliance on forms of exploitative labor undertaken by vulnerable populations. Drawing principally on interviews with local drug-involved adults, this article is the first to undertake in-depth analysis of their experience of risky street-level labor in “host” towns. Findings suggest that despite violence and intimidation, many saw county lines labor as preferable to other income generating activity, and contrary to popular enforcement narratives, they often became involved though constrained choice. As such, it is argued that the policy response might resemble one of building resilience through multiagency support, which better equips “structurally vulnerable” populations to exit exploitative relationships.

‘Vulnerable’ Kids Going Country: Children and Young People’s Involvement in County Lines Drug Dealing

“…While acknowledging these limitations, this article draws from a review of the academic, governmental and non-governmental literature, and police data focused on ‘children involved in county lines’ obtained from the South East Regional Crime Unit (SECRU) (period 1 January 2018 to 31 July 2018) covering Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire and Thames Valley force areas. This literature is supported by our own previously published empirical research (Coomber et al, 2014; Coomber and Moyle, 2012, 2018; Coomber and Pyle, 2015; Moyle, 2019; Windle and Briggs, 2015a, 2015b) and recent discussions with practitioners from law enforcement and the third sector (RUSI, 2016). 2…”

“…Although vulnerable groups have long populated street-level supply roles in the drug market, another distinctive aspect of the county lines model relates to the systematic targeting and harnessing of vulnerable populations (Moyle, 2019) to transport drugs across regional borders and undertake the supply operation at street level in these host towns as ‘drug runners’ (Windle and Briggs, 2015b), ‘commuters’ and for ‘cuckooing’ (Coomber and Moyle, 2012). Research and informal discussions with practitioners have identified the exploitation of the following vulnerable peoples: dependent and/or indebted drug consumers, vulnerable adults and young people with welfare needs, looked after children and children of parents or caregivers with mental health issues and people experiencing alcohol or drug dependency (Coomber and Moyle, 2012; NCA, 2017; Sturrock and Holmes, 2015; Windle and Briggs, 2015b).…”

“…Data from SECRU suggest that the vast majority of county lines children identified in this area (238 children) were connected to just one ‘line’ or selling operation; although a further 32 children were linked to two or more lines. Children involved in county lines subsequently become exposed to a range of dangers, which can be understood as characterised by a ‘spectrum of harm’ (Moyle, 2019). Some young people who have acted as ‘runners’ have described experiences of physical violence, intimidation and emotional abuse by OTD (HM Government, 2016; Sturrock and Holmes, 2015).…”

“…While law enforcement narratives portray the county lines model as inherently exploitative (NCA, 2015, 2016), adult cuckooed residents reported to Moyle (2019) that they initially considered renting arrangements and drug running a ‘mutually beneficial relationship’ that would fund their addiction and they could drift in and out of (Spicer et al, 2019). This arrangement, however, almost always became more exploitative over time.…”

The Complexities of ‘Home’: Young People ‘on the Move’ and State Responses

“…Vulnerabilities to other forms of exploitation included violent crime, gang involvement, and drug and alcohol misuse (All Party Parliamentary Group 2012). Issues of trafficking, or more generally, sexual exploitation, have been increasingly recognised by practitioners and policymakers (as Moyle (2019); Pearce (2011); and Stone (2018) highlight). However, definitions and distinctions in this area are problematic.…”