The variable and evolving nature of ‘cuckooing’ as a form of criminal exploitation in street level drug markets

Abstract

A form of criminal exploitation rarely mentioned in the academic literature has recently emerged, evolved and taken meaningful hold in the UK. Hundreds of cases of 'cuckooing' have been reported, where heroin and crack cocaine dealers associated with the so-called 'County Lines' supply methodology have taken over the homes of local residents and created outposts to facilitate their supply operations in satellite locations. Dominant narratives surrounding this practice have stressed its exploitative nature and the vulnerabilities of those involved. Combining qualitative data from two studies, this paper critically analyses the model of cuckooing and the experiences of those affected. In turn it explores the impact of County Lines on affected areas and local populations, a topic that has received little academic scrutiny. Four typologies of cuckooing are constructed, highlighting its variance and complexity. Findings also suggest it to be a growing method of criminal exploitation beyond drug supply with a possible burgeoning presence being realised internationally.

Exploring County Lines: Criminal Drug Distribution Practices in Scotland

“…Without the availability of recourse to the legal system, grievances and personal slights arising in criminal networks are resolved through codes of violent retribution and notions of natural justice (Coomber and Moyle, 2017;Densley, 2013). Exploitation is central to County Lines drug distribution and is facilitated by vulnerability associated with the effects of alcohol or substance dependencies, vulnerable single mothers and the elderly (Spicer et al, 2019). A source of the vulnerability of "privileged" youth is grounded in complex pressures surrounding poor access to engaging in extra-curricular activities, meeting achievement norms, parental criticism, exposure to paternal depression, weak parental attachment and limited supervision by parents or others of risk-taking routine activities.…”

“…Young argues that it is inherently difficult to categorize criminality through a lens of ‘scientific truth’. The reality of crime is messier and more fluid; ‘liquid’ conditions are emerging as characteristic of County Lines, including its flexible cuckooing practices of exploitation by heroin and crack cocaine dealers of local populations, especially in areas with known populations of drug addicts (Coomber and Moyle, 2018; Spicer et al, 2019).…”

“…Yet, commercially motivated ‘proper dealers’, the focus of the current study, are more likely to be organized into associational criminal structures, small criminal groups or gangs, for whom engagement in illicit enterprise is integral to a collective identity (Densley et al, 2018; Pearson and Hobbs, 2001). To support their commuting to provincial markets, often these criminal groups commandeer the homes of vulnerable individuals such as adults with mental health problems or disabilities, those with little support networks or drug addicts (Spicer et al, 2019). These ‘cuckooed’ homes are then used as operational bases from which young recruits can be sent back and forth, at times staying on site for a number of weeks to sell drugs, oversee money deposits or even weapon storage (Briggs, 2010; Coomber and Moyle, 2017; Spicer et al, 2019).…”

“…To support their commuting to provincial markets, often these criminal groups commandeer the homes of vulnerable individuals such as adults with mental health problems or disabilities, those with little support networks or drug addicts (Spicer et al, 2019). These ‘cuckooed’ homes are then used as operational bases from which young recruits can be sent back and forth, at times staying on site for a number of weeks to sell drugs, oversee money deposits or even weapon storage (Briggs, 2010; Coomber and Moyle, 2017; Spicer et al, 2019). Customers are contacted via a single Deal Line (DL), with promotions or limited offers being advertised through aggressive text messaging as an incentive to entice customers, even loyalty cards are offered in some cases.…”

Automatic Detection of County Lines Criminal Scheme

“…Another activity related to county lines is cuckooing. Apart from using their victims as runners, gang members may move into their houses and set up the base of operation there [4].…”