Two charged after cocaine seized from van in Whiston

Two men have been charged after packages of cocaine with address labels across the UK were found in a van seen speeding in Whiston.

Officers spotted the vehicle on Pottery Lane at around 3pm on Thursday evening (28 May).

They pulled it over and conducted a search under the Misuse of Drugs Act when 27 individual vacuum sealed packs of cocaine were found with address labels for various parts of the UK on them.

Louie Fitzimmons, 20 years, of Ritherup Lane, Rainhill and Mark Raymond Underwood, 53 years, of no fixed address were arrested and charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs (cocaine).

They were remanded to appear at Wirral Magistrates Court today (Friday 29 May).

Chief Inspector Derek Riley said: “Drug supply causes serious harm in the heart of our communities. Those involved in peddling dangerous drugs often rely on violence, threats and intimidation to maintaining their illicit trade.

“They can also exploit vulnerable young people, involving people from a very young age in their murky trade while they line their pockets with the proceeds.

“But Merseyside Police works 365 days a year to disrupt their activity, put offenders before the courts and to safeguard the vulnerable people they have exploited.

“Drug dealing does not pay - it ruins lives. Intelligence from the community is a vital part of our efforts to stop the harm caused so If you are aware of anyone involved in drug supply in your area, contact us with any information and we will take positive action.”

Anyone with any information about drug-related activity is asked to call Merseyside Police on 101 or contact @MerPolCC on Facebook and X.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by making an online report here: Give information 100% anonymously about organised crime in Merseyside | Crimestoppers. Information to Crimestoppers is anonymous and no-one but you will know you made the report.