Exploring County Lines: Criminal Drug Distribution Practices in Scotland. (April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Holligan, Chris; McLean, Robert; McHugh, Richard
• Other Names: Densley James guest-editor.; Deuchar Ross guest-editor.; Harding Simon guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Youth justice. Volume 20:Number 1/2(2020)
• Page Start: 50
• Page End: 63
• Publication Date: 2020-04
• Subjects: County Lines -- cuckooing -- drug supply -- gangs -- Glasgow -- organized crime -- Scotland -- youths; Juvenile justice, Administration of -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Youth -- Legal status, laws, etc -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Juvenile corrections -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 364.360941
• DOI: 10.1177/1473225420902850
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-2254

Abstract

The concept of 'County Lines' denotes an exploitative type of illegal drug distribution and dealing criminal enterprise that is indicative of the development of new strategies to underpin criminal markets in Britain. It is a growing phenomenon characterizing the evolution and working of drug distribution networks in contemporary Britain which often establish 'nests' in the homes of vulnerable persons domiciled within drug traffic hubs. This article draws upon qualitative data generated from interviews with active and former offenders and members of intervention agencies in order to understand more about the denizens of this embryonic criminal world.