132 arrests and 4.8kg of drugs seized in County Lines week of action
153 people at risk of exploitation were safeguarded
More than 130 arrests have been made, and 13 drug lines have been shut down, in a week of action to dismantle gang violence across Merseyside.
Warrants were executed across the region and further afield to disrupt the supply of drugs.
Officers worked with partners and other forces from across the UK, including in Lancashire, to:
- Make 132 arrests linked to county lines activity
- Identify and close 13 drugs lines
- Seize 6,809 wraps of crack cocaine, heroin and cocaine
- Seize 4.8kg of Class A and B drugs (including crack cocaine, heroin, cocaine and cannabis)
- Seize and destroy 342 cannabis plants
- Seize £35,000 in cash
- Recover 24 weapons, including 15 knives
- Identify 153 people as being at risk of exploitation and safeguard them
County lines is where gangs and organised criminal networks use phone lines to move and supply drugs, usually from cities to smaller towns and rural areas.
These gangs often target vulnerable people and youngsters to move drugs, money and weapons across the country.
They are often coerced into these gangs with the offer of gifts and once in, they are forced into doing the work, often because of threats like violence and blackmail.
Plain-clothed officers, drugs dogs and knife arches were some of the tactics used to disrupt drug supply on the railway and bus networks running through Liverpool City Centre.
They also worked with Lancashire Police in Blackpool to identify vulnerable people involved in county lines and offer support to end the cycle of reoffending and drug addiction.
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.
During warrants in Croxteth and Norris Green, officers recovered mobile phones, a machete, an air rifle, a knuckleduster, 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 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin. Three dogs thought to be XL Bullies were also seized.
Officers also visited a number of houses to safeguard vulnerable people from cuckooing - where gangs use threats of violence or abuse to take over properties to deal drugs and commit other 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."
This week of action came after Merseyside Police launched a new campaign to raise awareness of the growing issue of child criminal exploitation and county lines.
'Eyes Open' aims to highlight how predatory these gangs are and how they groom children through a sense of belonging and 'free' gifts like designer clothes and vapes - which traps them in a cycle of debt.
This campaign has gone into schools and care homes, to help children to 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."