The most vulnerable children are being recruited into drug dealing. We need to protect them

The National Crime Agency estimates that up to 4,000 children are involved in London county lines drug dealing alone, says Ian Hamilton

Despite a recent news report, the number of unique drug dealing county lines is thought to be growing. (Getty/iStock)

Are fewer children involved in drug gangs during the coronavirus?

There are conflicting reports. This news story reports on a youth worker saying that some young people were reflecting on their involvement in drug dealing activity. The interviewee was specifically referencing county lines dealing, where urban drug dealers use children between 13 and 17 to distribute and sell drugs such as heroin and crack cocaine to smaller towns and villages.

I don’t doubt that young people are thinking again about their involvement in these gangs. Life is far from glamorous or rewarding for them, despite the initial promises they are given.