A campaign warning Lanarkshire youngsters of the dangers of criminal gangs setting up drug-dealing operations outside their usual area has been launched.
The initiative by Fearless, the youth service of Crimestoppers, highlights the risks posed by 'county lines.'
Teaming up with British Transport Police, Police Scotland and Police Scotland Youth Volunteers, the organisation is urging young people and adults in Lanarkshire to speak up anonymously with information.
County lines is when criminal gangs set up a drug-dealing operation outside of their usual patch, moving their dealing from big cities across the UK to smaller towns in Scotland in order to make more money.
Young, often vulnerable, people are forced to transport cash and drugs all over the country, often by train, so that the serious criminals behind them remain detached and are less likely to be caught.
Drug gangs will then set up a new base in a rural area for a short time, often forcibly taking over the home of a vulnerable person and using local youths to act as dealers for them.
This is having a "massive impact" on Scotland’s towns and cities - and on the young people and adults being exploited.
The campaign, also supported by Network Rail and ScotRail, will use a series of impactful anonymised true stories on Snapchat and TikTok to warn youngsters of the dangers of becoming involved.
Lyndsay McDade, Fearless national youth projects co-ordinator at Crimestoppers, told Lanarkshire Live : "Serious organised crime gangs are exploiting children as young as 11 years old in Scotland.
"Often they target particularly vulnerable young people and either groom them or recruit them using violence and intimidation.
“That’s why it’s crucial that young people and parents and carers alike recognise the signs to look out for and understand the devastating impact that these gangs have.
“If you know or suspect who is behind the drug gang exploitation of young people and vulnerable adults, please go to our website and tell us.
"The website can’t track your IP address or any personal details. Just tell us what you know. We guarantee you’ll remain 100 per cent anonymous, always.”
Detective Superintendent Garry Mitchell of Police Scotland, said: "Our officers continue to work hard to keep communities safe and pursue organised criminals who target children and young people.
“Exploiting the most vulnerable in our society is the approach of those who operate County Lines.
"They intimidate, coerce, threaten and use violence to groom young people and force them to transport, store and sell drugs for their own despicable benefit.
"We will continue to work in partnership with Fearless, Network Rail, British Transport Police and other key stakeholders to safeguard individuals who are recognised as being at risk and are grateful for their support.
“We need the support of local communities to continue to support the vulnerable and target the criminals involved.
"If you have information about anyone involved in County Lines and, importantly, anyone who may be at risk, please get in touch with police or report information 100 per cent anonymously at Fearless or by calling them on 0800 555 111.”
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