In what authorities are calling a “record year” for crackdowns on criminal gangs, over 2,700 drug networks were dismantled, and close to 1,000 knives were confiscated in 2025.
The Home Office disclosed that a total of 2,740 county lines operations were terminated between January and December last year. This concerted effort resulted in the charging of 1,657 gang leaders and the seizure of 961 blades.
County lines networks, notorious for peddling substances like cocaine and heroin to distant areas using dedicated phone lines, are typically urban-based criminal outfits. These gangs resort to violence and often exploit minors in their illicit activities. The figures for 2025 mark the highest recorded since data collection began in 2019. The intensified crackdown on county lines has led to a significant 25% drop in hospital admissions due to stabbing incidents in key regions, preventing over 800 such incidents annually.
Policing minister Sarah Jones commended the ongoing efforts, stating, “We are dismantling more criminal networks, apprehending more gang leaders, and removing more dangerous weapons from our streets than ever before. The government is unwavering in its pursuit of these heinous criminals who perpetrate violence and exploitation. Our aim is to halve knife crime within a decade, thereby saving lives and safeguarding communities.”
As part of the government’s strategy to cut knife crime in half over the next decade, a substantial £34 million investment has been allocated for the county lines initiative this year. The funding will support police operations such as targeted raids and the seizure of illicit substances. Of the total amount, over £28 million will be allocated to law enforcement efforts aimed at dismantling criminal networks that exploit children and engage in violent activities.
Detective Superintendent Dan Mitchell, who heads the National County Lines Coordination Centre (NCLCC), emphasized the continued focus on combating county lines activities. Enhancing policing strategies in response to evolving gang tactics remains a top priority to prevent harm, safeguard vulnerable individuals, and disrupt criminal enterprises.
Kathy Betteridge, Director of Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery at The Salvation Army, expressed support for the government’s initiatives to tackle county lines and the associated violence and harm inflicted on individuals. Acknowledging the importance of prevention measures, ongoing investment, and the tangible outcomes being achieved, she highlighted the detrimental impact of county lines exploitation on young and vulnerable individuals, who are lured into criminal activities and violence by these gangs.