A Christian filmmaker has shone a light on county lines drug exploitation as the government steps up efforts to tackle the issue nationwide.
The Orphan, a short film written and directed by Leo Powell, exposes the grooming tactics used by criminal networks to exploit vulnerable young people across the UK.
Powell said the film shows how promises of belonging, protection and loyalty can quickly become a pathway into manipulation, violence and criminal exploitation.
“It’s a massive issue,” he said. “Thousands of young people are being drawn into this across the country. Communities, parents and those from deprived or vulnerable backgrounds are facing this reality. The film shows how grooming can begin with gifts or debt bondage, before a young person is deceived into travelling long distances to sell drugs.”
Released two weeks ago, The Orphan has been viewed more than 721,000 times on YouTube and was partly funded by British Transport Police (BTP).
The film comes as county lines activity has again hit the headlines, with a joint operation between BTP and Bedfordshire Police shutting down active drug lines and leading to arrests. It also coincides with new government figures showing record lows in the number of children entering the justice system and in custody.
A national programme targeting county lines has resulted in more than 8,000 arrests, over 3,000 drug lines closed and more than 900 knives removed from the streets.
While praising police efforts, including the work of the National County Lines Coordination Centre, Powell warned that funding cuts were limiting what could be achieved.
“The police are doing a good job, but they need more help and more funding,” he said. “There’s also a need for government to invest more in organisations that support young people and families.”
Powell, who raises awareness in schools and church youth groups, says churches are increasingly recognising that county lines can affect young people within their own congregations.
“Faith is about bringing a message of hope,” he said. “Through this film, I hope people learn how to keep themselves safe from grooming and exploitation and see that there is a way out.”
The Orphan is available to watch online.
Listen to the interview with Leo Powell here:
