Five arrested and drugs seized in Walton

Officers from Project Medusa, the County Lines taskforce at Merseyside Police, arrested five people on suspicion of drugs offences following an incident in Walton on Wednesday (1 September).

Officers on patrol suspected a man was drug dealing at the back of Spellow Lane at about 4.35pm, detained him and conducted a search. They found street deals of drugs believe to be Heroin, and another male was seen making off on foot into a nearby house.

Following further searches, police recovered more than 60 bags of white and brown powder, as well as cash.

A 55-year-old man from Walton, a 52-year-old man from Walton and a 49-year-old man from Kirkdale were arrested on suspicion of a Modern Slavery offence and being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

Two 17-year-old males were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and Merseyside Police will work alongside Social Services and partner agencies to provide support and safeguarding.

All five were taken into custody for questioning.

Chief Inspector Katie Wilkinson said: “A significant quantity of drugs has been taken out of circulation thanks to the vigilance of officers on proactive patrol.

"Project Medusa – Merseyside Police’s dedicated team tackling County Lines - is committed to cutting these lines, and stopping dealers in their tracks. 

“This proactive activity will continue day in day out to take the criminals who control these lines off our streets, rid our communities of the harm they bring and protect vulnerable drug users.

"Those criminals controlling county lines think nothing of exploiting young and vulnerable people, who they get to do their dirty work while counting the proceeds of their illegal trade. 

“But we have devoted significant resources to stopping them and I hope these arrests send a clear message to others involved in this type of criminality that we will take action and you will be arrested and put before the courts."

Chief Insp Wilkinson added: “Our officers were in the area after receiving information that drug dealing may have been happening in the area. These arrests and seizures show yet again that when the public tell us about crime in their communities, we will take action.

“If you believe there is drug dealing happening in your area or that vulnerable people are being exploited and drawn into a life of crime, please contact police so we can bring offenders to justice and safeguard their victims.”

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: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/police-forces/merseyside-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/2018/eyes-open/.

You can also report any concerns to police via 101, via Twitter @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.