Talk:County lines drug trafficking

What are the "lines"?

Does anyone know the etymology of the term? Are the "lines" the borders of the counties that are being crossed to supply drugs, or the telephone lines that are being used to sell them? -- The Anome (talk) 17:01, 1 February 2019 (UTC)

I dont think anyone of that age and in this business still knows that there were "phone lines" in existence ... Personally, I would think it's akin to "railway lines" or "supply lines". --User:Haraldmmueller 19:03, 27 July 2019 (UTC)

Good point, tht phone lines aren’t a likely point-of-reference / metaphor, for the demographic involved (though I think it may be a common folk etymology among addiction / youth / police workers). I’ve always thought of the phrase as alluding to supply lines . . but I’m not sure I’m convinced, now I think about it, tht supply lines are much of a better candidate. (The logistics of this business model probably aren’t the dominant thing in the people’s minds.) I think lines of business might be the likeliest thing. I’d be surprised if it’s an American loan (and in my experience the phrase in common Brit use with the relevant meaning is county boundary). We definitely need a source! – SquisherDa (talk) 22:00, 8 November 2019 (UTC)

phone apps / 'soft prison'

I’ve heard it said tht county lines operations are sometimes supported by an app on the dealer-victim child’s mobile-phone which records and reports his/her movements (as established by GPS) - so tht the child’s movements and activities can be controlled 24/7, giving the effect of a virtual / simulated prison. Any sources, anyone? – SquisherDa (talk) 00:17, 10 November 2019 (UTC)