Increasing Number of Children Working for Drug Gangs, Figures Show

More boys than adult males have been identified as potential victims of criminal exploitation in the UK, according to Home Office data on modern slavery.

An undated image of an NCA officer in front of a poster highlighting modern slavery. Alamy/PA

Increasing numbers of children being used by drug gangs have driven up the UK’s latest modern slavery figures.

Statistics released by the Home Office show that more under-18s were reported as potential victims of criminal exploitation than any other group, including adults.