RT Article
T1 The variable and evolving nature of ‘cuckooing’ as a form of criminal exploitation in street level drug markets
JF Trends in organized crime
VO 23
IS 4
SP 301
OP 323
A1 Spicer, Jack
A2 Moyle, Leah
A2 Coomber, Ross
LA English
YR 2020
UL https://krimdok.uni-tuebingen.de/Record/1750715708
AB A form of criminal exploitation rarely mentioned in the academic literature has recently emerged, evolved and taken meaningful hold in the UK. Hundreds of cases of ‘cuckooing’ have been reported, where heroin and crack cocaine dealers associated with the so-called ‘County Lines’ supply methodology have taken over the homes of local residents and created outposts to facilitate their supply operations in satellite locations. Dominant narratives surrounding this practice have stressed its exploitative nature and the vulnerabilities of those involved. Combining qualitative data from two studies, this paper critically analyses the model of cuckooing and the experiences of those affected. In turn it explores the impact of County Lines on affected areas and local populations, a topic that has received little academic scrutiny. Four typologies of cuckooing are constructed, highlighting its variance and complexity. Findings also suggest it to be a growing method of criminal exploitation beyond drug supply with a possible burgeoning presence being realised internationally.
K1 Violence
K1 Exploitation
K1 Drug markets
K1 Drug supply
K1 Cuckooing
DO 10.1007/s12117-019-09368-5