Child exploitation by drug gangs laid bare on TV

Police are determined to crack down on the exploitation of children by drugs gangs

A television show is set to examine the exploitation of young boys by county lines drug gangs.

The issue is featured on 24 Hours in Police Custody on Channel 4 on Sunday, under the title Lost Boys.

Bedfordshire Police's search for a missing child becomes an investigation into a drug dealing involving the grooming of young boys.

Gary Hales, investigation officer, said: "This is a really powerful episode which we hope encourages parents and carers to be alert to signs of exploitation and report any concerns to us."

Police said following the missing person report, officers raided a house believed to be linked to drugs supply.

During the investigation they identified people believed to be responsible for running a county drugs line and grooming young boys into carrying out drugs deals.

Drugs were found by officers during the investigation

Last month, Bedfordshire Police launched its Lost Boys campaign which aims to educate parents, carers and young people about the signs of criminal exploitation and the consequences of becoming involved in illegal drug activity.

They said these could be signs someone was involved in county lines activities:

• Repeatedly going missing from school or home and being found in other areas

• Having money, new clothes or electronic devices but they cannot explain how they paid for them

• Getting high numbers of texts or phone calls, and being secretive about who they are speaking to

• A decline in school or work performance

• Significant changes in emotional or physical well-being

Gary Hales said young people usually did not realise they were being groomed

Mr Hales said: "This episode clearly shows how young people, and boys in particular, can be groomed and used by drugs gangs.

"The problem is that often they don't realise they are being exploited and that they are victims until it is too late.

"We're not here to criminalise young people who are victims themselves.

"As this episode shows we're interested in finding out who those people are at the very top of the drugs line and ensuring they are brought to justice.

"The exploitation of young boys by county drugs lines is a real issue not only in Bedfordshire but across the country."