County Lines: Criminal Networks and Evolving Drug Markets in Britain

Part I

Chapter 1. A Tale Of Two Research Sites

Glasgow and West Scotland

Crime and Drug Harms

Data Sources and Methods

Merseyside

Crime and Drug Harms

Data Sources and Methods

Chapter Summary

Chapter 2. County Lines In Context

Child Criminal Exploitation

County Lines

Cuckooing

Chapter Summary

Part II

Chapter 3. Illicit Drug Markets Today

The Rise of the Modern Gangster

Cornering an Evolving Market

Changing Course

Adopting a Professional Ethos

"I'm Professional, not a Thug"

Evolution Continues

Chapter Summary 

Chapter 4. Working County Lines

Location, Location, Location

Setting Up Shop

Networking

Cuckooing, incentives, advertising, and dealing

Transportation and Trafficking

Extra-Legal Governance

Chapter Summary

Chapter 5. Negotiating The Victim/Offender Nexus

Dealers or Victims?

Earning a wage

Working off debts

Wall of silence   

Organised Criminals or Getting by?

Chapter Summary

Part III

Conclusion

Discussion of Findings

Research Limitations

Implications for Policy and Research