Several people were arrested following warrants carried out across Merseyside
Several people were arrested following warrants carried out across Merseyside
Cash, drugs, machetes and XL bullies were all seized following raids across Merseyside. During “County Lines Intensification Week” (November 25 – December 1), Merseyside Police made 132 arrests, seized more than 6,800 wraps and 4.8kg of Class A and B drugs and identified and safeguarded 153 people at risk of exploitation.
County lines is the name given to drug dealing where gangs and organised criminal networks use phone lines to move and supply drugs, usually from cities into smaller towns and rural areas. Merseyside Police said young people and the vulnerable are frequently targeted, exploiting them into trafficking drugs, money and weapons.
Once the child is dependent on the gang, they are coerced into criminal activities, often with threats of violence and blackmail. Families and loved ones of the child are also threatened. During the week of action, officers from Project Medusa, local policing and Matrix worked with partners and other forces from across the UK to dismantle and disrupt criminal gangs, resulting in:
READ MORE: Two arrested after heroin found hidden in toasterREAD MORE: Met Office issues ‘danger to life’ weather warning for Merseyside
- 132 arrests linked to county lines activity
- 13 drug lines identified and closed
- 6,809 wraps of crack cocaine, heroin and cocaine seized
- 4.8kg of Class A and Class B drugs seized (including crack cocaine, heroin, cocaine and cannabis)
- 342 cannabis plants seized and destroyed
- £35,000 of cash seized
- 24 weapons recovered, including 15 knives
- 153 people identified as being at risk of exploitation and safeguarded
Seven men and a woman aged between 20 and 61 were arrested on suspicion of a range of offences, including possession with intent to supply cocaine, heroin and crack cocaine. The team also made several referrals to Horizon which offer drug and alcohol support for people on their journey to recovery.
Detectives identified 13 drug lines and closed them during the week. Seven warrants were executed across Merseyside in relation to ongoing investigations into county lines drug supply and the exploitation of vulnerable people.
During warrants in Croxteth and Norris Green, officers recovered mobile phones, a machete, an air rifle and a knuckleduster along with large sums of cash and designer watches. Two men, aged 28 and 37, were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs and possession of an offensive weapon.
During a day of action in St Helens, a warrant was executed which resulted in the arrest of a 26-year-old-man on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin. The man was found in possession of a suspected ‘graft phone’. Three suspected XL Bully dogs were also seized from the property.
Officers worked with social workers, local safeguarding partners and leading child exploitation charities to safeguard 153 people at risk of being exploited by gangs. Officers also visited several Merseyside addresses to gather intelligence, disrupt dealers and safeguard vulnerable people from cuckooing. Cuckooing is where criminal gangs use threats of violence or abuse to take over the homes of vulnerable people to deal drugs and commit other serious crimes.
Inspector Stephen Morris said: “Our involvement in this national week of action is just a snapshot of the work we do all year round. The results, which include 132 arrests, a significant amount of drugs seized, and 13 drug lines closed, are testament to the effective joint working between forces and partners.
“Tackling county lines is a priority for Merseyside Police. We continue to work tirelessly to pursue and prosecute those who peddle drugs in Merseyside, commit violence and exploit vulnerable members of our communities.
“The arrests and seizures made should act as a stark warning to county lines offenders – you will be caught and be put before the courts.” The week of action comes as Merseyside Police recently launched Eyes Open, a campaign to raise awareness about the growing issue of child criminal exploitation and county lines.
The campaign highlights the predatory nature of gangs and how they groom children through a sense of belonging and ‘free’ gifts like designer clothes, vapes or expensive bikes – trapping them in a cycle of debt. Initially, these ‘free’ gifts may seem harmless – new clothes, gadgets, or money. But there’s always a catch. Young people, parents and carers are encouraged to keep their #EyesOpen to spot the signs of child criminal exploitation and to report any concerns or incidents they witness.
During the week, the Eyes Open campaign was delivered to schools and care homes, to help young people recognise the signs of exploitation.
Senior Investigating Officer for Project Medusa, Jimmy Belmar, said: “Through Project Medusa, we are pursuing more criminals than ever who exploit vulnerable people, while also protecting the victims of exploitation. Reports from the public continue to help us execute warrants, make arrests and close criminals’ county lines operations, that cause so much harm to our communities.
“Therefore, we would encourage the public to keep their Eyes Open to exploitation through county lines, come forward with any information and to report any concerns or incidents they witness.”
Support and how to report
You can report any concerns to police on 999 if a crime is in progress, via 101, or Merseyside Police’s social media desk via X @MerPolCC. The Eyes Open campaign educates young people and their parents and carers about the dangers of grooming, exploitation, and the deceptive tactics used by county lines gangs.
To learn more about the signs of exploitation, please visit https://eyes-open.co.uk. Young people can contact Crimestoppers via Fearless to access non-judgemental information and advice – https://crimestoppers-uk.org/fearless.
