Grinding

Abstract

This chapter examines how the actual processes of county lines drug-supply networks work in reality, looking at the internal dynamics of running a county line in more detail. The daily chore of wrapping drugs, bagging them, taking phone calls, delivering drugs to user, 27/7 from a local dealing hub or trap house is referred to by the runner/dealers as ‘grinding’. The chapter then reveals life inside a trap house, managing staff, role differentiation, and the marketing principles of customer relationship management. It also outlines the management risks of county lines, as well as the options for county line expansion. County line managers know that the initial stages of line establishment are crucial and misjudgements now are costly later. A skilled county line manager must therefore mitigate all risks, and establish and secure lines to commence profitable returns. Early risks here include retaliation from an existing/rival lines; over-exposure of marketing generating police activity; failure to create a market share; and transposing profits back to the parent gang.