Figures, obtained under a Freedom of Information request, showed almost 4,000 youths aged 16 and under have been nicked for either supplying drugs or having drugs with intent to supply in England and Wales during the last three years.
Drug barons are thought to recruit children as they are less likely to raise suspicion and will be dealt with more leniently than an adult, The Sun tabloid reported.
Most were in London, where 438 were arrested