'Evil' gangsters who force kids to hide drugs inside their bodies face jail

"Evil" gang leaders who force children and vulnerable people to hide illegal items inside their bodies will face up to 10 years in prison.

Tough new measures will target "plugging", "stuffing" and "banking" - which sees concealed drugs, cash and SIM cards moved between criminals. Children are often forced to swallow drugs packages or hide them in their body cavities, the Home Office says - which can be deadly if they break open.

Under changes to the Crime and Policing Bill, which is going through Parliament, senior gang members will face prosecution and long sentences. Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips said: “There is something truly evil about the gang leaders who degrade young girls, young boys and vulnerable adults in this way, forcing them to put their lives at risk."

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She said the new laws will hold senior gang members, such as those behind County Lines drug operations, to account. Since July last year more than 2,000 children and vulnerable adults have been referred for support after being exploited by gangs.

And around 320 children have been given specialist support after more than 2,000 suspects were arrested in an organised crime clampdown.

Kate Wareham, from charity Catch22, welcomed the measure, saying youth workers have seen the "devastating, life-changing physical and mental impact" of abuse on youngsters. She said laws need to stop it happening, adding: "By targeting the perpetrators, this new offence of coerced internal concealment is a crucial step forward towards that.”

Detective Superintendent Dan Mitchell, Head of the National County Lines Coordination Centre, said: “We know County Lines gangs often target children and young people, forcing them to conceal drugs inside their bodies, carry out violence against others, carry weapons and transport drugs. This leaves untold trauma on the victims, and we must do all that we can to prevent this.

“Today’s announcement is welcome, and anyone involved in this type of offending should hear a clear message that we will always explore any steps we can take to increase stop County Lines from exploitation children and vulnerable people.