Two charged after drug warrants in Liverpool and Huyton

Two men have been charged with drugs supply offences after nearly £4m worth of Class A drugs were seized in an operation by the specialist Merseyside Organised Crime Partnership.

An estimated 31 kilos of heroin and 10 kilos of cocaine with a joint street value of nearly £4m were recovered by the OCP – which comprises officers from the National Crime Agency and Merseyside Police.

On 6 April, officers signalled for a van to stop in Huyton as it was believed be involved in supplying drugs.

The driver stopped the vehicle and allegedly ran away but officers recovered seven kilos of cocaine from the vehicle.

Following extensive enquiries, two warrants were carried out yesterday resulting in the arrests of two men, the seizure of 41 kilos of Class A drugs and £2,000 cash.

Gareth Purcell, 65, of Ullet Road, Liverpool, will appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court today accused of possession with intent to supply heroin and cocaine and being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

Also appearing is Gareth Hooton, 34, of Pencombe Road, Huyton.

He is charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine, dangerous driving, failing to stop and driving without insurance.

The Organised Crime Partnership (OCP), a specialist team set up by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Merseyside Police to tackle high risk organised crime groups linked to drugs and firearms.