On the line: Children as young as 12 involved in gangs, drugs and violence

Knives used in County Lines Credit: ITV Cymru Wales

County Lines is a term we are hearing increasingly often.

It refers to big city gangs who are taking over drug dealing in more rural areas.

They use mobile phones to 'advertise' the drugs which are usually heroin, and crack cocaine, and then use children to sell them.

In areas like Swansea, there's been a definite shift in the local drugs market.

Former addicts James and Shauna described how gangs started moving in three years ago, selling two of the most addictive substances. Crack cocaine and heroin.

Whilst they no longer take illegal drugs, they still receive messages from 'County Lines'.

James and Shauna say they've seen an increase in County Lines activity. Credit: ITV Cymru Wales

ITV Wales has discovered that children as young as 12 are now involved in County Lines.

The charity St Giles Trust has recently opened up a hub in Cardiff to work with youngsters trying to exit gangs.

Some of the people they work with have had to be relocated because the risk of violence was so high. They've had death threats for not only the child, but also their siblings and families.

ITV Wales has spoken to an ex gang member who once dealt in County Lines. Credit: ITV Cymru Wales
Police have carried out a number of raids in recent months related to County Lines. Credit: South Wales Police

There are over 1000 lines operating across England and Wales. Phone numbers that people can ring to order drugs.

Police admit they can't simply arrest their way out of the situation, but that they need the help of communities and other organisations too.

Watch more tonight on Wales This Week: On the Line at 8pm on ITV Cymru Wales.