County Lines and Cuckooing
County Lines is a term that gets used a lot, but this session — led by Police Scotland’s County Lines Coordinator — gave members a thorough and frank look at what it actually means, what’s happening in Scotland specifically, and what partners across sectors can do about it.
The basics: County Lines describes organised criminal networks that export illegal drugs from larger cities into other areas, using a dedicated mobile number (the “line”) to take orders. Criminal exploitation — of children, of vulnerable adults, of people’s homes — is built into the model. It’s not a side effect; it’s how it works.
In Scotland, heroin and crack cocaine are the most prevalent commodities, and the north of Scotland is the most heavily impacted area. As of January 2025, there were 39 known County Lines groups operating across Scotland, with over two thirds concentrated in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, and Inverness. The vast majority originate from Merseyside, London, or the West Midlands. Violence linked to County Lines has increased in some divisions, with weapon recoveries including knives, machetes, and viable firearms. County Lines is now within the top five high threats in Scotland.
The session covered cuckooing in detail — the practice of taking over a vulnerable person’s home to use as a base for drug dealing. The warning signs are specific and worth knowing: an increase in unfamiliar callers, curtains drawn at odd hours, different accents, unexplained gifts or money for the resident, sudden disengagement from services. Victims are often people with poor mental health, learning difficulties, substance use issues, or social isolation — and they are frequently repeat victims.
Child criminal exploitation got significant attention too. Young people are recruited through a combination of false friendship, gifts, and belonging — then controlled through debt bondage, coercion, and threats. The session highlighted that local youth recruitment by County Lines groups is increasing in Scotland, not just importation of people from other cities.
For partners outside policing, the message was practical: use the National Referral Mechanism, share intelligence, and stay alert to the signs. If you’re not a designated first responder, concerns can still be reported to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
To request a copy of the presentation slides from this session, get in touch at hello@scscotland.org.uk.
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