The form of criminal exploitation where drug gangs recruit children to move drugs around the country is called "county lines." County lines is a type of child criminal exploitation in which urban gangs use children and young people to transport and sell drugs across different counties, often using dedicated mobile phone lines ("deal lines") to coordinate drug deals. Children are coerced, manipulated, or forced to carry drugs and money from one area to another, typically from cities to suburban, market, or coastal towns. This exploitation involves significant risks, including exposure to violence, intimidation, and trafficking far from home. The gangs often target vulnerable children, including those in care or with mental health issues, using emotional abuse, threats, and debt bondage to control them. The practice also includes "cuckooing," where gangs take over the homes of vulnerable adults to use as drug bases

. County lines is recognized as a serious form of child abuse and criminal exploitation, with efforts underway by law enforcement and child protection agencies to disrupt these networks and support affected children