From the P&J yesterday, the above and:

Viktor Kihu, 25, recruited people to his OCG which was called Harlem to use their properties in county lines drug operations.

The Inverness Courier on the same day, revealed his wider empire:

With the same text –

This case follows another important development in the recognition of this plage:

In the P&J today, the above.

What has driven his demand?

Police report a notable increase in drug offences in Inverness. Gangs target the region because of demand, less competition, and vulnerable people. Cases involve women and sometimes children being coerced into the networks. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy0xdxdl40o

How widespread and how damaging have county lines gangs been in the Highlands?

They are not as pervasive as in major English cities or urban Scotland, but their impact is disproportionately damaging due to the region’s vulnerabilities. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy0xdxdl40o

The harm extends far beyond drug sales, involving exploitation, violence, and community disruption:

Exploitation of vulnerable people:

• Heavy targeting of vulnerable women for “cuckooing” — taking over their homes to store/sell drugs and sometimes forcing them into dealing. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy0xdxdl40o
• Children and vulnerable adults used as runners or mules; cases documented in the region.

Drug supply and health harms:

• In 2024/25: Seizures of 6,300 crack cocaine deals, 1,030 heroin deals, over £30,000 cash and 92 arrests. https://www.highland.gov.uk/download/meetings/id/85418/5_police_performance_report
• Fuels addiction, overdoses, and related health issues in a region with limited services. Cocaine/crack markets have grown notably.https://www.ross-shirejournal.co.uk/news/county-lines-explained-inverness-cocaine-market-426366/

Violence and crime:

• Linked to intimidation, weapons, and serious organised crime. Gang members often have prior violent/gun crime records. Increases in associated offences like theft, assaults, and exploitation.

Community and social effects:

• Erodes trust in neighbourhoods (unfamiliar faces, increased foot traffic, cuckooed homes).
• Strains housing, social work, NHS, and policing resources.
• Long-term damage to young people drawn in or exposed, plus economic costs from crime and lost productivity. https://medcraveonline.com/FRCIJ/the-socioeconomic-effects-of-organised-crimes-county-lines-on-the-united-kingdom-community.html

Are they all from England?

Police Scotland consistently identifies the gangs as coming from urban centres in England, particularly:

• London
• Liverpool (Merseyside)
• Birmingham (West Midlands)
• Derby and other Midlands areas

These groups send associates (often young men in their late teens or early 20s with histories of violence) north to set up operations, import drugs, and exploit locals. https://www.highland.gov.uk/download/meetings/id/78251/3_police_-_area_performance_report

The organising gangs and “line holders” are typically from English cities, they recruit or coerce local Scottish facilitators, vulnerable residents (including women and sometimes children in the Highlands), and runners. Some lower-level operatives or cuckooed home occupants are from the local area. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy0xdxdl40o