In North London, Somali families, represented by community advocate Sadia Ali, are grappling with the societal impact of the county lines drug trade, which exploits vulnerable children. Ali's charity, Minority Matters, initially focused on education, has shifted towards protecting youth from falling victim to the drug economy. The county lines trade, marked by the manipulation of children for drug distribution, creates severe risks including abuse and trafficking. Statistics suggest that around 14,000 children are involved, though this figure likely underrepresents the issue. The community is witnessing targeted grooming, primarily in specific neighborhoods, exacerbating their crisis.
"The workforce is children and young people. We are paying the price for that. We are losing a generation of young people."
"Young people are being groomed all over Islington, but predominantly on the Andover Estate, where these older males are chilling right outside the football pitch."
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