The Linesman for the County: A case study of the implementation and management of an English drug distribution network

• In Event: Drug trafficking and supply

Abstract

This paper presents a qualitative analysis of the management and entrepreneurial strategies behind a County Lines drug distribution network, focusing on the insights of its leader. County Lines operations represent a significant feature of the UK’s illicit drug trade, characterised by the movement of drugs from urban hubs into suburban and rural areas. Employing a franchise-like model, these networks exploit vulnerable individuals, including young people, to maintain their operations. Through in-depth interviews, the research examines the leader’s approach to establishing and managing the network, revealing how business acumen and market rationality are employed in the context of illegal activities. The findings highlight the use of sophisticated recruitment strategies, often involving social media, alongside calculated methods for market expansion and workforce control. Operational decisions, such as resource allocation, reputation management, and the deployment of coercive tactics, are framed as integral to the network's success.
This study reflects on the challenges and significance of gaining access to high-level figures in such networks, offering a rare perspective on the personal motivations, structural conditions, and subcultural norms that underpin County Lines operations. The entrepreneurial strategies observed reflect a broader capacity for innovation within the illicit drug economy, underscoring its resilience in the face of enforcement measures. The findings contribute to criminological discourse on the intersections of systemic inequality, marginalisation, and organised crime. By focusing on the managerial dimensions of County Lines, this research highlights the necessity of multifaceted interventions that address both the structural conditions fostering these networks and the social harm they perpetuate. The study provides a foundation for rethinking strategies to disrupt County Lines operations while supporting the vulnerable individuals ensnared within them.

Author

• Rob Hornsby, Leeds Trinity University UK