'P4s should be taught about drug dangers' says ex senior police officer and former child drug mule
Matthew Reiss and Abdul Mkith are speaking to us as we look into how county lines gangs are exploiting kids across the UK #LookCloser
Last updated 21st Oct 2021
A former senior policeman and an ex drug mule say children from the ages of seven should be taught about the consequences of getting involved with drugs.
Matthew Reiss, who was the area commander for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, feels the UK's drug issue would greatly improve if kids are taught earlier about drug dangers.
Abdul Mkith, who now lives in Wick but was forced to carry drugs across the country as a child, also feels early education about the subject would be vital.
Both agree if the subject is dealt with sensitively at a young age, it would help stop children getting involved in the use or supply of drugs when they're older.
They're speaking to us as we look into county lines gangs and how they exploit children and adults to transport drugs across the UK.
'Young kids will understand'
From around the age of 13, Abdul Mkith was sent across the UK to transport drugs from the likes of Brighton and Newcastle to Ullapool and Stornoway.
Although he was threatened with his life if he did not comply, he feels earlier education would stop kids becoming dealers when they're older.
He said: "Starting from Primary 4 or 5, should be educating before they go to High School.
"If you show kids that if you get an education, you will have a better house, better car, better things, but tell them if you chose drugs then you’ve got police problems.
"Young kids will understand, they have a better understanding than some adults."
Although he's never used drugs himself, he outlined the advice he would give to people considering getting involved.
What are the signs that children are being exploited?
There are a number of signs which may help reveal whether a child is being exploited by County Lines drugs gangs. It is up to the public and campaigns like #LookCloser to identify these signs and help protect children at risk.
Children looking anxious or lost
Children travelling alone frequently, either at night or during school hours, is one sign to look out for. Children that are being exploited may appear lost or unfamiliar with their surroundings. Appearing anxious, frightened and angry is also an indicator.
Carrying two phones
Being in possession of more than one phone is an indicator that children may be contacting the individuals or groups that are exploiting them.
Carrying lots of cash
Carrying large sums of money is another sign to look out for when worried that a child is being exploited.
Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Children involved with County Lines drugs gangs could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Being controlled by others
Being instructed or controlled by another individual, or being accompanied by people that are older than them, is another sign that a child may be being exploited.
Begging for money
Children that are begging in a public space is another indicator.
Where to spot children being exploited by County Lines gangs
It's important to know where children that are being exploited might be found. Buses, trains, trams and other forms of public transport are used to move children. Food outlets or roadside services may be used for children to stock up on amenities. Hotels, salons and car washes may be places where exploitation happens 'behind closed doors'.
Will there be exploited children near me?
There's a chance you might come across a child being exploited when at your place of work. They may be found in banks when moving money between accounts.
Taxis and private hire vehicles may be used by children when in contact with those who are exploiting them; it's important for taxi drivers to not ignore concerning phone conversations.
Takeaway and delivery drivers who visit residential areas and travel through public spaces may have the opportunity to identify a household in which children are being exploited. Retail workers may come into contact with children that are stealing items or begging for money, which are also signifiers.
Hotels, caravan parks and rented accommodation are used to abuse and exploit children. Workers should keep an eye out for young people checking in with adults that do not appear to be their parents.
He added: "It’s not a good road to go down in life.
"I’ve seen it with people, it’s not a good ending.
"Anybody can do anything, don’t think you’ve only got one choice you’ve got millions of choices.
"People think they can do drugs, make money and it’s going to be perfect. That’s not a perfect life.
"Drugs problem will never go away, but we can educate our society, our children in villages, towns and cities."
Tackling drugs problem will take a 'generation'
Matthew Reiss served in the police across the north of Scotland for more than 25 years.
He feels the drugs problem can be tackled, but it will take a "generation" to get the message through.
He said: "I would’ve said roundabout the mid-range years of primary school was probably about when to start.
"Certainly, at primary school level it needs to be done in a way that children can just understand the basics, that drugs are harmful and dangerous and are best avoided.
"There’s no point in frightening children at too young an age with something that they don’t actually understand.
"So the message must start off very simply to avoid drugs and then it can be developed as they get older and they get a better understanding.
"I think we must continue trying we absolutely should not give up.
"It takes a generation and I think if you compare it to drink driving, I think it’s probably taken us a generation to both educate and enforce regarding drink driving and while it hasn’t been eliminated, it has been greatly reduced."