The UK government is introducing a new law to criminalize coerced internal concealment of illicit objects by children, known as ‘plugging’, ‘stuffing’, or ‘banking’, with offenders facing up to 10 years in prison. Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips emphasized the exploitation of young and vulnerable individuals as a significant concern, noting that cases include children as young as seven being forced to carry drugs and weapons. The British Transport Police are actively addressing this issue at stations, aiming to identify and protect potential victims through increased visibility and targeted operations.