The gripping new ITV drama Out There delves into the dark world of County Lines.
Martin Clunes takes on the role of Welsh farmer Nathan Williams, who is not only troubled by development agents threatening his farm's future but also by his teenage son Johnny's (Louis Ashbourne Serkis) dangerous reconnection with an old friend turned local drug dealer Rhys (Gerran Howell).
Nathan is thrust into a battle to protect his farm and community from the encroaching threat of County Lines drug operations. The much-anticipated Out There is set to premiere at 9pm on Sunday, January 19 on ITV1, and viewers eager for more can binge the complete box set on ITVX from the same date.
The series casts a spotlight on the relatively new phenomenon of County Lines, which has become a significant method of drug distribution in the UK, particularly affecting rural areas.
The Mirror reports the production team behind Out There engaged in extensive research on County Lines, enlisting the expertise of retired Sussex Police Detective Inspector Bill Warner to guide ITV researchers for the series.
But what exactly are County Lines, and what impact does this criminal enterprise have on communities?
What is County Lines?
County Lines, as defined in a Home Office Serious Crime Strategy report, refers to the practice where gangs and organised crime networks export illegal drugs into various regions across the UK, utilising dedicated mobile phone lines or other forms of "deal line" as described by the National Police Chiefs' Council.
County Lines operations often exploit children and vulnerable adults for the distribution of drugs and handling money, employing methods such as coercion, intimidation, and violence, including sexual assaults and weapon use.
Drug dealers regularly recruit children, those with vulnerabilities, and individuals suffering from addiction to serve as their drug couriers or cash handlers.
Incidents related to County Lines can sometimes involve the takeover of a local property, usually belonging to someone vulnerable, turning it into a base for criminal activities - an act referred to as cuckooing.
Indicators of County Lines activity include unfamiliar faces visiting a property, shifts in the mood of the resident, evidence of drug use, unexplained luxury items, young people seen in various cars, individuals who appear disconnected from the community, and a rise in anti-social behaviour locally.
Discussing the theme of County Lines within the series, Martin Clunes noted: "We researched the whole county lines problem with Marc and Ed. While this is a work of fiction, the way that business model works is represented accurately because the research was so thorough."
Regarding the realism and investigation into County Lines, the actor further remarked: "I was shocked by certain things - shocked by the stabbing. There is a story of stabbing every day in the news, and that callous approach to life, the way these kids are used as a disposable work force.
"You can see the rank system, and the way they can rise up the ranks, It's a very well thought out, nasty business."
If you suspect County Lines activity in your neighbourhood, you can contact your local police on 101, or dial 999 in an emergency.
For those who wish to stay anonymous, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be reached on 0800 555 111.
