Project Medusa execute four County Lines warrants

**UPDATE** Two more men have been arrested by officers from Project Medusa following this morning’s warrants, making a total of four. The men, aged 19 and 20 and from Wavertree and Mossley Hill, will be questioned on suspicion of Class A and Class B drug supply. Suspected drugs were also seized (pictured below)

Officers from Merseyside Police’s Project Medusa team have today (Monday, 17 May) executed four warrants across Merseyside.

At this time, two people have been arrested, following an investigation into County Lines drug dealing into Lancashire, West Mercia and Cheshire. 

This was part of the ongoing Project Medusa, a Merseyside-led initiative set up to tackle County Lines drug dealing and child criminal exploitation.

The pair will be taken to police stations on Merseyside, where they will be questioned.

Detective Superintendent Andy O'Connor said: “Organised crime is hugely damaging to our communities, often involving intimidation, violence and creating fear and it is these criminals who run County Lines. Criminals involved in organised crime have no thought for anyone other than themselves, and their criminal intent and greed.

“Project Medusa is dedicated to cutting these County Lines dead and as this investigation has shown, regional boundaries do not matter. We work with partners in other forces to trace those organised criminals responsible and help those who may be exploited by these gangs.

“Ultimately everyone should be warned that if you get involved in crime, you risk facing the consequences. But when we identify vulnerable, exploited people during our enquiries, we ensure they are treated with sensitivity and understanding, and are offered the appropriate support. Our primary target is those who seek to use them for their own selfish gain.”

Read more here about how to spot the signs of exploitation linked to drug dealing and the Eyes Open campaign, introduced by Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership: www.eyes-open.co.uk

You can also report any concerns to police on 999 if a crime is in progress, via 101, or via Twitter @MerPolCC.

You can also pass information via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.