Two arrested for drug offences as part of Operation Venetic

We have arrested two men today (Thursday 13 May) on suspicion of drug offences. 

Arrests were made and searches conducted at two addresses in St Helens and Bootle as part of the national Operation Venetic.

A 38-year-old man from Bootle was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (heroin).

A 27-year-old man from St Helens was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs (cocaine and cannabis). 

Both men were taken into custody and will be questioned by police. 

A Merseyside Police spokesperson said: “These arrests comes as part of a national investigation into the use of encrypted mobile devices, commonly referred to as encrochat, and drug supply across the UK.

“Those involved in the supply and distribution of dangerous drugs have no regard for the misery they cause and the lives they can affect, which is why proactive action, as has been taken today, is vital in disrupting criminal activity and putting individuals involved before the courts.

“An investigation is ongoing and we will continue to work closely with partner forces up and down the country, as well as North West Regional Organised Crime Unit and the National Crime Agency, to protect our communities and prevent harmful drugs from reaching our streets.

“We can’t do this without the help of the public and would urge anyone with information on the supply of drugs or individuals involved in serious and organised crime, to please get in touch, either directly through us or through Crimestoppers, completely anonymously.”

Anyone with information about drug supply is asked to contact @MerPolCC, 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.