In a significant development, authorities have disclosed that a total of 2,740 drug operations known as county lines were dismantled in 2025, marking a notable increase in law enforcement actions against criminal gangs. During this period, 1,657 gang leaders were apprehended, and 961 knives were confiscated as part of the crackdown.
County lines networks, typically urban-based gangs, utilize dedicated phone lines to distribute illegal substances such as cocaine and heroin to customers in various regions. These criminal groups are known for resorting to violence and exploiting vulnerable individuals, including children. The recent statistics for 2025 represent the highest enforcement activity recorded since tracking began in 2019.
Efforts to combat county lines activities have resulted in a 25% reduction in hospital admissions related to stabbings in critical areas, averting more than 800 incidents annually. Policing minister Sarah Jones expressed determination in curbing criminal operations, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to dismantle illicit networks and remove dangerous weapons from the streets.
The government is poised to unveil its strategy to halve knife crime over the next decade, with a confirmed investment of £34 million allocated for the county lines program. This funding will support police operations, including raids on properties and seizures of illicit substances, with a substantial portion dedicated to combating gangs that exploit minors and engage in violent activities.
Detective Superintendent Dan Mitchell, leading the National County Lines Coordination Centre (NCLCC), reiterated the commitment to combating high-risk county lines operations and disrupting criminal endeavors to safeguard vulnerable individuals and prevent harm. The Salvation Army’s Director of Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery, Kathy Betteridge, commended the government’s proactive stance against county lines, emphasizing the importance of prevention and continued investment in addressing exploitation and violence associated with criminal activities.
