Teenagers with autism are being targeted by gangs running county lines drugs operations.
That’s the view of youth worker Paul McKenzie, who has encountered “countless” examples of special needs teens recruited by older dealers.
Paul McKenzie, who says youngsters with autism are increasingly targeted by drug dealers
McKenzie says autistic youngsters’ desire for friendship makes them easy prey.
Trapped in drugs underworld
Families are reluctant to turn their children over to the police. This can leave the children trapped in a drugs underworld.
McKenzie, 52, said: “We are seeing more and more children with special needs, especially autism, being targeted by county lines gangs because they don’t fully understand the implications.”
He said the manipulation is a form of mate crime that “boils down to a basic human need” for friendship.
County lines
County lines operations see youngsters from cities trafficking drugs in smaller communities.
McKenzie, who works in London, sees older boys of around 18 and 19 targeting younger and more vulnerable teens. Their aim is to move the drugs from the capital to the rest of the UK.
The youth worker, who uploads YouTube videos on community issues to his channel Soapbox Real Talking Inspiration, says dealers trap younger boys with free food.
The dealers later tell the boys they have debts to repay for the food.
Jailed for trafficking
Earlier this year London trio Glodi Wabelua, Dean Alford and Michael Karemera, all 25, were jailed for using children to traffic crack cocaine and heroin across county lines.
They used girls and boys as young as 14 to smuggle drugs from London to Portsmouth.
The Inner London Crown Court heard how 25 children from care homes and units for expelled pupils may have been involved.
Only one victim — a 19-year-old autistic man – gave evidence in court. He did so from behind a screen to hide his identity.
McKenzie has launched website www.groomsafe.org to help families.
Related:
Mencap joins Katie Price to fight abuse
Published: 8 August 2019
