Officers from the Matrix Serious and Organised Crime team (MSOC) have today carried out a second phase of dawn raids as part of an operation to crackdown on the supply and distribution of Class A and Class B drugs.
Warrants have been executed at seven addresses in Wallasey, Garston, Leasowe and Halewood and five men (22 years, 24 years and 61 years from Garston, a 28-year-old from Wallasey and a 32-year-old from Halewood) and an 18-year-old woman from Garston have been arrested on suspicion of drugs offences.
The warrants are the culmination of a 12 month operation mounted after concerns raised by local residents about drug dealing.
So far today detectives have seized cash amounting to £10,000 and what is believed to be crack cocaine with an estimated street value of £25,000, a quantity of what is believed to be Class A drugs, along with drugs paraphernalia. Searches of the properties are ongoing.
During the 12 month investigation significant quantities of cocaine and heroin have been recovered, together with the dismantling of a number of cannabis farms. It is estimated that the street value of those drugs seized prior to today is in the region of £390,000.
In the first phase of arrests on 19 November 2015 nine people were arrested and six men were subsequently charged with various drugs offences.
Detective Superintendent Lee Turner said: “”We have carried out further raids today and this activity further reinforces our commitment to improving local communities. I hope that our actions have reinforced our message to communities that we have listened to their concerns and taken positive action.
“This operation was set up after local residents raised concerns about drug dealing in their communities and I would like to take this opportunity to stress that if you are aware of drugs crime, or any other crime, in your area let us know and we will take positive action and help you to improve your community. Calls to Crimestoppers are anonymous and information provided could give us the opportunity to take robust and positive action in your neighbourhood. By calling today you can make a difference in your community for the future.
“Anyone with any information about drug activity in their area is asked to contact 0800 230 0600 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
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