Refers to the movement of illegal drugs across regions by organised criminal networks, often using dedicated mobile phone lines. Children and young people are frequently exploited to transport or store drugs and money, with coercion, intimidation, violence, including sexual violence, and weapons commonly used to maintain control.

Human trafficking involves the act of recruitment, transfer, harbouring, or receipt of a child or young person for the purpose of exploitation. Exploitation may include forced labour, sexual exploitation, criminal exploitation, or other forms of abuse. Under international and UK law, the “means” element (such as coercion or deception) is not required when the victim is a child or young person. This definition aligns with the Palermo Protocol (2000) and the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (ECAT).

Occurs when children and young people are exploited by others of a similar age or developmental stage. This can include involvement in criminal activities such as drug transportation or distribution, and may be facilitated through grooming or coercion.

Exploitation by organised crime groups who use children and young people to beg, capitalising on public empathy toward vulnerable individuals to generate income.

A practice where perpetrators take over a person’s home to facilitate exploitation. This may include using a child’s bedroom or belongings (e.g. school bags) to conceal drugs or weapons.

The misuse or theft of a child or young person’s financial resources or assets,

including property, often through manipulation or coercion.

During periods of heightened community tension, children and young people may be manipulated into participating in public disorder. Adults may orchestrate these activities from a distance, making it difficult to identify and prosecute perpetrators. This dynamic increases the risk of criminalising victims rather than recognising their exploitation.