Proactive action by Police Scotland saw officers safeguard a number of vulnerable people who are exploited by drug dealers, during a national County Lines intensification week.
County Lines drug dealers from larger cities expand their criminal activity into smaller communities to exploit young and vulnerable people to sell drugs, carry cash and weapons – bringing violence, coercion and abuse. They can also take over a vulnerable person’s house – known as cuckooing.
The UK-wide initiative – co-ordinated by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) – took place between Monday, 23 and Monday, 30 June 2025.
During the intensification week, officers across Scotland safeguarded over 100 vulnerable people and engaged with almost 2800 more. They also visited more than 40 addresses believed to be used by drug dealers as a cuckooing house.
Illegal drugs, cash and offensive weapons were also recovered.
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston said: “Protecting vulnerable people in our communities, particularly children and young people who are all too often coerced, groomed and threatened by County Lines drug dealers remains a priority for Police Scotland officers.
“We work tirelessly in partnership with a wide range of organisations, including the members of Scotland’s Serious Organised Crime Taskforce, to target individuals who snare them and force them to carry out crimes on their behalf.”
Throughout the intensification week 42 people – 34 men, seven women and one male youth – were arrested and 15 evidential search and apprehension warrants were executed.
More than 300 cannabis plants with a value of value of £280,000 were recovered.
Other illegal drugs, including £67,000 of herbal cannabis, more than £2,100 of cannabis resin, cocaine and crack cocaine with a street value of more than £85,000 and heroin worth around £45,000 were also seized.
Offensive weapons, including knives, an axe and a machete, were discovered during the activity by officers.
ACC Houston continued: “The positive results during the intensification week are an example of our continuing work in support of national initiatives aimed at frustrating and disrupting the activities of those who involved in County Lines drugs dealing.
“Organised criminals don’t care about anyone other than themselves, they only care about power and money.
“They travel to exploit vulnerable people in our communities and their criminality is simply not welcome in Scotland and will not be tolerated.”
Justice Secretary, and Chair of Scotland’s Serious Organised Crime Taskforce, Angela Constance said: “I welcome Police Scotland’s positive outcomes from the county lines intensification week, which has safeguarded a number of individuals. It is despicable that organised criminals seek to benefit by exploiting young and vulnerable people.
“Partners on Scotland’s Serious Organised Crime Taskforce are fully committed to using all means at their disposal to identify and support those at risk, and to ensure the criminals involved are brought to justice.”
Anyone who has concerns about County Lines or information about who may be involved in this insidious criminal activity should get in touch with Police Scotland or anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
