A 28-year-old man from Staffordshire has been jailed for 10 years after using two teenage boys to transport heroin and cocaine across the country via the railway network. The case is the latest in a series of convictions targeting County Lines gangs exploiting vulnerable children to traffic drugs.

Conviction of Lakan Illsley

Lakan Illsley was sentenced at Stafford Crown Court on Monday, 20 May 2025, after pleading guilty to:

• Two counts of Modern Day Slavery
• Conspiracy to Supply Class A Drugs
• Additional charges from Staffordshire Police for Conspiracy to Supply Crack Cocaine

The judge imposed a combined 10-year custodial sentence — seven years and six months for the BTP charges and a further two years and six months for the Staffordshire Police case.

Teens Caught at Blackpool Station

The investigation began on 13 December 2023, when British Transport Police (BTP) officers at Blackpool railway station noticed two 16-year-old boys appearing lost and distressed, over 130 miles from their homes. A search revealed:

• 50 wraps of cocaine
• 39 wraps of heroin
• £300 in cash
• A burner phone
• One teen carrying a knife

The drugs were intended for street-level supply in the Blackpool area, organised by Illsley through a County Lines network.

What Are County Lines Gangs?

County Lines refers to gangs using dedicated phone lines to sell drugs in rural and coastal areas, often exploiting vulnerable children as “runners.” Key features include:

• Burner Phones: An estimated 2,000 lines are in operation, says the National Crime Agency (NCA).
• Teen Recruitment: Children as young as 13 are coerced into drug distribution.
• Fear and Control: Tactics include threats, debt bondage, and grooming.

The NCA estimates over 14,000 children were at risk of County Lines exploitation in 2022–2023.

BTP’s County Lines Taskforce

The BTP County Lines Taskforce, launched in 2019 and funded by the Home Office, continues to disrupt drug networks using UK rail infrastructure. Their achievements include:

• Over 140 arrests
• Seizure of £26,000 in cash
• Collaboration with Met Police and regional forces for targeted raids

Detective Superintendent Craig Payne said:

“We relentlessly pursue those exploiting vulnerable youth. Safeguarding is our top priority.”

Support for Victims

The two teens in this case were safeguarded and returned home. Agencies supporting exploited youth include:

• Childline – 0800 1111
• Catch 22 – Specialising in youth support
• Fearless – Anonymous crime reporting charity: www.fearless.org

Report suspicious rail activity by texting BTP at 61016 or calling Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.

Social Media Reactions

Public support for BTP’s efforts has surged on X (formerly Twitter):

“BTP’s arrest of this County Lines exploiter is vital for protecting kids.”
“Great job disrupting these gangs on our railways.”

Such sentiments reflect growing public concern over youth exploitation.

UK-Wide Action Against County Lines

Illsley’s sentencing is part of a wider crackdown:

• Merseyside Police’s Project Medusa – Targeted arrests of gang leaders.
• Nottinghamshire Police – Jailed kingpin using digital forensics.
• Sussex Police – Dismantled the HECTOR line, resulting in 10 convictions.

These operations are coordinated under the NCA’s County Lines Programme.

Why It Matters

County Lines gangs are linked to rising youth violence, addiction, and knife crime. Illsley’s conviction sends a strong deterrent message. Victim-first approaches by BTP and safeguarding charities are crucial to prevention.

How to Help

• Spot the Signs – Young people travelling alone, unexplained money, or phones.
• Report It – Text 61016 or call Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
• Support Youth – Direct them to Childline or Catch 22 for confidential help.