County lines gangs are using beauty treatments to recruit young women into drug trafficking
West Midlands: It’s pretty shocking how county lines gangs are now targeting young women and girls. They’re using beauty treatments like Botox and lip fillers to lure them into the drug trade.
Some girls are even being offered these beauty perks just to get them involved in carrying drugs. It’s a sneaky way to groom them, and it’s happening right under our noses.
These gangs have gotten really clever. They know that young women can fly under the radar, so they’re using them to transport drugs and weapons. It’s a whole new level of exploitation.
Jade Hibbert from St Giles Trust called it a “safeguarding pandemic.” She mentioned that instead of the usual designer bags, these gangs are now offering beauty treatments to attract girls.
It’s wild how many girls are falling through the cracks. Charities say they’re often seen as invisible victims, and that makes it even harder to help them.
Many of these girls end up in abusive relationships with gang members, which can lead to their homes being taken over for drug operations. It’s a tough situation.
A recent report estimated that around 60,000 girls in England are at risk of violence in gang contexts, but most services focus on boys. That’s a huge gap in support.
Johnny Bolderson from Catch-22 pointed out that there’s a real struggle to get authorities to recognize these girls as victims. The system just isn’t set up to see them.
In one case, a girl was arrested for selling drugs, and instead of being treated as a victim, she was praised for her “entrepreneurial” skills. That’s just wrong.
Gangs are also starting to target LGBT+ youth, showing that this issue is broader than we might think. They’re just looking for anyone who won’t attract attention.
To tackle this, St Giles Trust has opened a female-only service in Wolverhampton. They’re working hard to provide support and mentorship for these vulnerable girls.
Since the Home Office started its County Lines program, over 5,000 drug lines have been shut down. But the role of women and girls in this whole situation is still not getting the attention it deserves.
A recent report highlighted that gender biases might be putting these girls at even greater risk. It’s a tough battle, but awareness is the first step toward change.
