The Home Office reported record outcomes from County Lines enforcement operations during 2025, with 2,740 drug lines closed, 1,657 gang leaders charged and 961 knives seized. Announced by Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones MP, the figures reflect coordinated policing activity across the UK supported by government funding.
Introduction
The Home Office published new data on 5 April 2026 outlining enforcement activity targeting County Lines drug networks. The figures cover outcomes from policing operations across the UK, including arrests, seizures and safeguarding measures.
The announcement also confirmed continued government funding for the County Lines Programme. This supports coordinated efforts between police forces and partner organisations to disrupt organised crime and protect vulnerable individuals.
Record enforcement results from County Lines operations
New data shows that 2,740 County Lines were closed, 1,657 gang leaders were charged and 961 knives were seized during 2025. Since the election, enforcement activity has resulted in 3,785 line closures, 2,175 gang leaders charged and 1,229 knives removed.
These outcomes reflect ongoing national operations targeting organised drug networks operating between cities and smaller towns. The figures demonstrate expanded policing activity across multiple regions.
Government funding and policing strategy
The government has confirmed more than £34 million in funding for the County Lines Programme this year. This includes over £28 million allocated to policing through the Police Funding Settlement.
Funding supports intelligence gathering, targeted enforcement activity and coordinated operations across transport networks. These efforts aim to disrupt drug supply chains and prevent the reactivation of closed lines.
- £34 million total programme funding
- £28 million allocated to policing
- Support for intelligence and enforcement activity
Programme Funding and Allocation
| Total Investment | More than £34 million committed to County Lines operations |
| Policing Allocation | Over £28 million directed to police forces through funding settlement |
| Operational Focus | Intelligence, enforcement and disruption of organised drug networks |
Impact on knife crime and public safety
The County Lines Programme has contributed to a reduction in serious violence across affected areas. Data shows a 25% fall in hospital admissions for stabbings in key regions.
This equates to more than 800 stabbings prevented each year. The outcomes reflect the link between drug network disruption and reductions in associated violence.
Violence Reduction Outcomes
| Hospital Admissions | 25% reduction in stabbings across key areas |
| Incidents Prevented | More than 800 stabbings avoided annually |
| Programme Impact | Direct link between enforcement and reduced violence |
Definition and risks of County Lines activity
County Lines refers to a method of drug distribution where gangs move drugs from urban areas to smaller towns. The model often involves the exploitation of children and vulnerable individuals.
These operations are associated with violence, coercion and organised criminal activity. The programme aims to disrupt these networks and safeguard those at risk.
Legislative measures and future crime prevention plans
The government is introducing new measures through the Crime and Policing Bill to address exploitation linked to County Lines activity. This includes new offences targeting those who exploit children.
Additional legal powers will address practices such as taking over properties for drug dealing and forcing individuals to conceal drugs. These measures are designed to strengthen enforcement capabilities.
National operations and intensification activity
Recent coordinated enforcement activity included a national intensification week from 2 to 8 March. During this period, police closed 355 lines, made 2,180 arrests and safeguarded 1,348 individuals.
These operations involved forces across England, Wales and Scotland working together to target organised criminal networks. The activity demonstrates the scale and coordination of national policing efforts.
Stakeholder Comments
Ministerial Comments
Sarah Jones MP, Crime and Policing Minister said;
“We are shutting down more criminal lines, busting more gang leaders and seizing more dangerous knives off our streets than ever before.
Detective Superintendent Dan Mitchell, National County Lines Coordination Centre said;
“Since the programme was established, we are now closing more lines, charging more offenders, and protecting more people at risk of exploitation and harm than ever before.”
Naomi Hulston, Chief Executive Officer, Catch22 said;
“No child should become a victim of violence, County Lines, or exploitation. Collaborative approaches are vital to protecting young people and addressing these harms.”
In Conclusion
The latest figures from County Lines enforcement operations show increased activity across policing, safeguarding and disruption of organised crime networks. Continued funding and coordinated national operations are supporting efforts to reduce violence and exploitation linked to drug networks. The programme remains a central component of wider strategies to protect communities and improve public safety across the UK.
Sources: Home Office and Sarah Jones MP.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
