Two people have been arrested following reports of drug dealing outside a hotel in Southport.
On Friday 17 April, officers noticed two people acting suspiciously and identified a suspected drugs transactions taking place around the Lord Street area.
Upon approaching the suspects, a woman ran inside a local hotel, where she was detained by officers.
A large quantity of white powder was found inside a room with some inside a yellow plastic Kinder surprise, totalling 170 wraps of suspected cocaine seized. A substantial amount of money and a mobile phone were also found in the room.
A search of the other suspect was conducted where a small bag containing a white substance was found.
A 52-year-old man and a 49-year-old woman from Southport were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, suspected cocaine. They have been released under investigation pending further enquiries.
Sefton’s Area Commander, Karl Baldwin said: “Officers from the Southport Neighbourhood Team and the Southport Town Centre Team, acting on community information, launched a proactive operation to tackle this issue head on. Despite these initial arrests, we know there is more to do. The operation will continue, targeting all criminality but focussing on those involved in serious and organised crime.
“Serious organised crime gangs are closely linked to serious violence, often using weapons such as firearms or knives, which is why it’s so important we tackle it relentlessly.
“Stop searches, warrants, land searches and arrests take place all year round, and in many instances, it is thanks to the public who tell us where there are issues in the community.
“If you have information on drug dealing and criminality in your area let us know and we will take action.”
Anyone with information on suspected drug dealing or criminal activity in their community can contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre. You can also report information via our website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or call 101.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously. In an emergency always call 999.