Children as young as 7 are being groomed to sell drugs for 'county lines’ in towns and villages all over the UK. 

With extraordinary access, this film follows the children trapped in the dangerous world of drug running; exploring how they got into it and why they can’t get out. 

With middle class families in rural Oxfordshire being affected, drugs gangs are no longer just operating in the big cities and it has become a priority for police forces around the country. 

While the drugs gangs profit, many parents feel powerless as their children risk their lives carrying crack cocaine and heroin, and staying in so-called ‘trap houses’ for weeks at a time.

We follow police, parents and social workers trying to protect four young people and keep them safe, before it’s too late. 

Useful links... 
If you are a young person who is worried about your involvement, or a friend's involvement in county lines, it might be helpful to speak to an adult you trust.

You can also call Childline on 0800 1111. Childline is private and confidential service where you can talk to specially trained counsellors about anything that is worrying you.

You can speak to your local police by dialling 101, or in an emergency 999.

If you would rather remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

If you notice something linked to the railways, you can report concerns to the British Transport Police by texting 61016 from your mobile.

If you are worried about a young person being exploited by a criminal gang, the resources below may be helpful.

Thames Valley Police - County Lines Information

https://www.thamesvalley.polic...

The Children’s Society - criminal exploitation and 'county lines' resources

https://www.childrenssociety.o...

NSPCC

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preve...

The National Crime Agency

https://www.nationalcrimeagenc...

SPACE - Stop & Prevent Adolescent Criminal Exploitation

https://www.bespaceaware.co.uk...

RUNTIME:
48 Minutes

PRODUCER:
Rebecca Coxon

DIRECTOR:
Rebecca Coxon

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:
Brian Woods
Anna Hall

RELEASED:
2019

Awards

The Victor Adebodun Debut Director Award
New Voice Awards 2020

Reviews

"With cocaine use in Britain doubling in the past 5 years, drug barons have expanded far beyond big city squalor to the grooming of middle-class children from rural market towns and public schools."
The Mail on Sunday

"This documentary gains remarkable levels of access to young people involved, often reluctantly, in this grim trade and follows police, parents and social workers as they attempt to find solutions."
The Guardian

"We’ve all seen the headlines about county lines and the way in which vulnerable youngsters are groomed into the drugs trade, but Rebecca Coxon’s hard-hitting and distressing report for Dispatches brings home the bleak reality of the lives of these children"
The Telegraph

"This bleak Dispatchers follows the cases of four at-risk children and virtually defines 'hard-hitting'"
The Times

"Rebecca Coxon's film is a powerful reportage that paints a stark portrait of a troubling sub-culture."
Radio times