Arrests and seizures in crackdown on gangs in Liverpool and Knowsley

Twelve people were arrested and a large quantity of drugs, weapons and cash seized by officers policing EVOLVE areas in Liverpool and Knowsley last month (June 2023).

Officers seized two swords, an adapted air rifle, an imitation firearm, a number of lock knives, a large quantity of cannabis, suspected Class A drugs, cannabis cultivation equipment, drug paraphernalia, three cars, a scrambler bike, two electric bikes, an illegally adapted mountain bike, two Rolex watches and other expensive watches, mobile phones and around £5,000 in cash.

Officers also carried out 57 stop searches.

The 10 men, one woman and a 17-year-old male were all arrested on suspicion of committing drug-related offences among other crimes. 

The activity is part of the force's relentless pursuit of those involved in criminal gangs and gang-related exploits.

EVOLVE Liverpool-Knowsley sees Merseyside Police working with partners and residents in Dovecot, Yew Tree, Longview,  Huyton and immediate surrounding areas to disrupt and deter organised crime group (OCG) activity and help stop young and vulnerable people being exploited by these criminals.

On Tuesday, 4 July officers also arrested two men from Huyton on suspicion of drugs offences after they were seen exchanging cash and what is believed to have been Class A drugs.

A 28-year-old man from was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, possession of criminal property and obstructing a constable.

A 21-year-old man  was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, possession of criminal property, possession of a controlled drug and handling stolen goods. 

They were taken to police stations in Merseyside for questioning and released on police bail pending further investigation.

Chief Inspector Tony Fairhurst, from EVOLVE Liverpool-Knowsley policing team, said: "Those involved in criminality often have no regard for the well-being or safety of others, whether that be through the wielding of weapons, violence or the distribution of dangerous drugs, and we are determined to take these individuals off the streets.

"We will be continuing to use all powers available to us to stop those we suspect are connected to criminal gangs and to make their day-to-day activities as difficult as possible.

"Criminal gangs are involved in a range of serious and organised crimes involving drugs, weapons, exploitation, human trafficking, cuckooing, counterfeit goods and loan sharks to name a few and no-one should have to live in the shadow of their criminality.

"We are determined to make a positive difference to those living in EVOLVE neighbourhoods and make the areas safer for generations to come."

Anyone with any information about crime is asked to call Merseyside Police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or visit the Crimestoppers website: What is the crime or incident? | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org)