A powerful new podcast episode has laid bare the horrific and lasting impact of 'county lines' drug dealing on children across the UK, a full ten years after the criminal model was first identified by authorities.
A Decade of Devastation
The Sky News Daily podcast, released on Wednesday 3rd December 2025, features harrowing testimony from parents and former child runners whose lives have been shattered. The episode marks a grim anniversary for a phenomenon that has seen thousands of vulnerable young people coerced into trafficking drugs from cities into smaller towns and rural areas.
One victim, named Lucy, was just 13 years old when she was exploited by a violent drug gang. Her story is tragically emblematic: she was robbed by the gang she was forced to work for and then stabbed as a punishment. Now in her twenties, Lucy is still living with the trauma, currently residing in a refuge.
Voices from the Front Line
Presented by Niall Paterson, the episode is joined by Sky's home affairs editor, Jason Farrell, who provides expert analysis on the evolution and response to county lines over the past ten years. The podcast delves into how criminal networks systematically target, groom, and control children, using intimidation and violence to maintain their grip.
The producers, Tom Gillespie and editor Mike Bovill, have compiled a compelling narrative that moves beyond statistics to highlight the human cost. It underscores that behind the term 'county lines' are individual stories of childhoods stolen and futures derailed by sophisticated criminal exploitation.
The Lasting Scars and Ongoing Fight
A decade on, the episode prompts serious questions about the effectiveness of measures to combat this form of criminality and support its victims. While law enforcement has developed specific responses, the podcast suggests the problem remains deeply entrenched, with new children continually at risk.
The testimony from Lucy and others makes it clear that the consequences are lifelong. The psychological and physical scars do not fade easily, and rebuilding a life after such trauma requires extensive, long-term support. The podcast serves as a stark reminder of the urgent, ongoing need to protect young people from these predatory gangs.
