A significant crackdown on criminal activities resulted in the closure of over 2,700 drug lines and the seizure of close to 1,000 knives in 2025, marking a peak year for dismantling gang operations.
The Home Office disclosed that in the span from January to December last year, approximately 2,740 county lines were dismantled, leading to the charging of 1,657 gang leaders and the confiscation of 961 blades. These county lines networks, typically run by gangs based in urban areas, utilize phone contact to distribute drugs such as cocaine and heroin to clients in smaller towns and different counties.
These criminal groups are known for their use of violence and exploitation, particularly involving children. The figures for 2025 represent the highest numbers since official records commenced in 2019. The crackdown on county lines has resulted in a 25% decrease in hospital admissions due to stabbings in critical regions, averting over 800 stabbings annually.
Sarah Jones, the Minister for Policing, affirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to shutting down criminal lines, apprehending gang leaders, and removing dangerous knives from the streets. She vowed to persist in pursuing these malevolent criminals who perpetrate violence and exploitation. The government aims to halve knife crime within the next ten years, ultimately safeguarding lives and communities.
As the government prepares to launch its initiative to reduce knife crime by half within a decade, a confirmed investment of £34 million has been allocated for the county lines program this year. This funding will support police operations like house raids and drug seizures. Over £28 million of the funding will specifically target bolstering policing efforts to combat gangs exploiting children and engaging in violent activities.
Detective Superintendent Dan Mitchell, the Head of the National County Lines Coordination Centre (NCLCC), emphasized the ongoing priority of combating county lines operations. The dedicated efforts of the NCLCC have led to the closure of more lines, prosecution of violent offenders, and protection of vulnerable individuals at risk of exploitation and harm.
Kathy Betteridge, Director of Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery at The Salvation Army, praised the government’s initiatives to tackle county lines and the associated violence and destruction. She acknowledged the focus on prevention, sustained investment, and the tangible outcomes being achieved. Through their frontline work supporting survivors and communities nationwide, they witness firsthand the devastating consequences of county lines exploitation, where youth and vulnerable individuals are ensnared into violence by criminal organizations.
