Government to create new law in drug trafficking crackdown | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentIndependent Bulletin homepageSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAnahita Hossein-PourTuesday 03 June 2025 09:03 BSTGang leaders who force children and vulnerable adults to conceal drugs within their bodies could face up to 10 years in prison (Getty/iStock)The Government is proposing a new law to criminalise the practice of "plugging", where gang leaders coerce vulnerable people into concealing drugs and cash inside their bodies.The amendment will be incorporated into the Crime and Policing Bill to combat county lines drug operations, where children and vulnerable adults are often forced to swallow or hide items, risking serious harm and fatal overdose.Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips said the new offence aims to hold gang leaders accountable and could lead to a decade in prison.The government has committed £42 million to tackle county lines gangs, resulting in over 800 violent criminals charged and 1,200 drug lines closed since July 2024.Jack O’Neill of The Children’s Society said that children forced to carry drugs are victims of abuse and exploitation.In fullGang leaders who force children to conceal drugs to face 10 years in jailThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in