Two men arrested and drugs seized following incident in Kirkdale

Two men have been arrested and a large quantity of cannabis seized after officers on patrol in Kirkdale suspected they were dealing drugs in the area.

At around 8pm last night, Tuesday 7 January, officers were driving through north Liverpool when they spotted two men who they suspected were selling drugs on Latimer Street.

When officers pulled over in their police vehicle, one of the men ran off and the other tried to flee on an e-bike.

During a short pursuit, one of the males threw a rucksack into the front garden of a home on Athol Street.

One of the men was subsequently arrested on Jennifer Avenue and the other on Scotland Road.

The rucksack was retrieved from the garden and inside was a large quantity of suspected cannabis wraps.

A 20-year-old man from Liverpool has been arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a controlled Class B drug, possession of a controlled Class A drug, possession of a Class C drug and acquiring/using/possessing criminal property.

A 22-year-old man from Liverpool has been arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a controlled Class B drug.

They both remain in police custody and will be questioned by detectives.

Chief Inspector Derek Riley said: “Thanks to the observations and quick thinking of our officers, they were able identify two suspected drug dealers and pursue them.

“Thankfully the two males were arrested near to the scene following a short pursuit and suspected Class B drugs have now been taken off our streets.

“Those who participate in the supply of drugs at any stage are helping to sustain an illicit trade that relies on violence and intimidation.

“Whenever arrests and drugs seizures like this are made it hits drug dealers where it hurts – in the pocket. They care about little other than making money and are prepared to exploit vulnerable people and bring fear and harm into the heart of communities in Merseyside.

“My message to those involved in drugs supply and serious organised crime is clear – Merseyside Police will never rest, we are relentless in our pursuit of those involved.

“Information from the public is vital if we are to breakdown the organised crime groups who bring misery to our streets and I would appeal to anyone who has information to come forward.

“I completely understand that speaking up could be daunting, but when people are willing to support the police we will ensure every possible avenue is progressed to protect them.

“And if you don’t feel comfortable coming directly to the police you can call the independent, anonymous, Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111."