Christmas parcel delivery decoy van helps trap suspected drug dealer in Knowsley

Officers patrolling for parcel thieves got a little more than they bargained for when they spotted a suspected drug dealer in Prescot last night (Thursday 5 December).

The man was spotted acting in a manner that aroused the suspicion of the officers at around 4.30pm.

The officers, posing as delivery drivers in a decoy delivery van, radioed to uniformed officers who deployed to the area while the plain clothes officers maintained their cover and directed their colleagues.

After a short foot chase, uniformed officers detained and searched the suspect, finding suspected cannabis, ketamine, snap bags, scales and other drug paraphernalia.

In a subsequent search of the suspect’s house, a large block of white powder was found along with what appeared to be numerous canisters.

An 18-year-old man from Prescot was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A, B and C drugs, namely cocaine, cannabis and nitrous oxide.

He was taken into custody for questioning and has been released under investigation.

Brian Loughran, Targeted Neighbourhood Inspector for Knowsley, said:  “While officers in our Trojan van didn’t catch parcel thieves this time, this incident perfectly demonstrates how alert our officers are at all times to anyone who seeks to bring harm into our communities.

“Our plain clothes team are often able to be the eyes and ears that nobody notices, coordinating activity by our uniformed officers.

“In this incident, their work enabled us to make the arrest, and freed the plain clothes officers up to continue their work of flushing out Christmas parcel thieves.

“We’d ask that communities help us by continuing to report offences or any suspicious behaviour so we can ensure people’s Christmas and New Year are remembered for the right reasons.”

Anyone wanting to know more about how to crack down on crime this Christmas can Christmas can visit the force’s Operation Shepherd campaigns page.