Drug supply lines disrupted across Merseyside during Intensification Week

Key Results

During the week of action, officers from Project Medusa, local policing and Matrix worked with partners and other forces from across the UK to dismantle and disrupt criminal gangs, resulting in:

• 239 arrests linked to county lines activity
• 6 drug lines identified and closed
• 2,775 wraps of crack cocaine, heroin and cocaine seized
• 3kg of Class A and Class B drugs seized (including crack cocaine, heroin, cocaine and cannabis)
• 194 cannabis plants seized and destroyed
• More than £38,000 of cash seized
• 28 weapons recovered
• 18 people identified as being at risk of exploitation and safeguarded

During an operation in Southport on Tuesday 24 June, the County Lines Taskforce sighted a suspected drug deal near Haweside Street. The suspected dealer attempted to make off but was detained by officers and seen dropping two packages near a parked car. The packages contained 32 wraps of suspected heroin and crack cocaine.

The 16-year-old boy from Liverpool was also found in possession of £280 cash and was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. Further enquiries revealed the 16-year-old was wanted for domestic assault.

Later that same day, Taskforce officers intercepted a suspected drug deal in Victoria Park, Southport. A 42-year-old woman from Southport was found in possession of 21 wraps of suspected crack cocaine and heroin and a ‘burner’ phone. She was arrested for possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

Using technology and police intelligence, the roads networks were also targeted to combat criminals exploiting major roads and motorways. In Bootle, officers stopped a man riding a suspected illegally adapted e-bike. Tests revealed that the e-bike did not conform to EAPC regulations. The 21-year-old rider also failed a roadside drugs wipe and was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and driving with no licence or insurance.  

Activity included warrants, safeguarding visits to vulnerable people and joint operations with West Mercia and North Wales Police.

In a joint operation with West Mercia Police, the County Lines Taskforce deployed to Telford. Officers spotted a car which was suspected to be involved in the supply of drugs in the area and requested the driver to stop. The driver failed to stop and drove dangerously through a housing estate. The vehicle eventually came to a stop and the driver jumped out of the car and tried to make his escape but was arrested at the scene. A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of supplying class A and class B drugs (cocaine, heroin and cannabis).

Detectives continue to work tirelessly to compile covert intelligence and disrupt those involved in county lines - resulting in six drug lines being identified and closed during the week alone.

Officers worked shoulder to shoulder with social workers, local safeguarding partners and leading child exploitation charities to safeguard 18 people at risk of being exploited by gangs.

Inspector Stephen Morris said: “County lines brings violence, exploitation, and misery to our communities. We are committed to identifying and prosecuting those responsible, while protecting the vulnerable individuals they target.

“The results, which include 239 arrests, a significant amount of drugs seized, and six drug lines closed, are testament to the effective joint working between forces and partners.”

A range of diversionary activities also took place as part of Project Medusa’s prevention arm, Operation Stonehaven. These were led by Everton in the Community, She Inspires, New Horizons, Activate, AP Coaching and Mentoring, LFC Foundation, Local Solutions, Catch22, Positive Pathways, Toxteth El8te and Tranmere Rovers in the Community.

A County Lines training exercise also took place during the week, inviting partner agencies from Social Care, Crown Prosecution Service and the NHS to gain valuable insight into county lines. Partners and police engaged in a simulated County Lines investigation through multimedia content and collaborative decision-making tasks. The exercise highlighted the benefits of multi-agency collaboration in tackling County Lines activity and enhancing safeguarding outcomes.

Senior Investigating Officer for Project Medusa, Jimmy Belmar, said: “Through Project Medusa, we are relentlessly pursuing those who exploit vulnerable people for criminal gain. At the same time, we are working closely with partners to safeguard those at risk and break the cycle of exploitation.

“The public plays a vital role in helping us dismantle these networks. Every report, every piece of information, helps us take action – whether it’s executing warrants, making arrests, or closing down drug lines. We urge everyone to keep their Eyes Open to the signs of exploitation and to speak out. Together, we can protect our communities and bring offenders to justice.”

Keep Your Eyes Open to Exploitation

Eyes Open is a campaign to raise awareness about the growing issue of child criminal exploitation and county lines.

The campaign highlights the predatory nature of gangs and how they groom children through a sense of belonging and 'free’ gifts like designer clothes, vapes or expensive bikes - trapping them in a cycle of debt.

Initially, these ‘free’ gifts may seem harmless – new clothes, gadgets, or money. But there’s always a catch. Young people, parents and carers are encouraged to keep their #EyesOpen to spot the signs of child criminal exploitation and to report any concerns or incidents they witness.

To learn more about the signs of exploitation, please visit https://eyes-open.co.uk/.

You can report any concerns to police on 999 if a crime is in progress, via 101, or our social media desk via X @MerPolCC.

Young people can contact Crimestoppers via Fearless to access non-judgemental information and advice.