County lines drugs crackdown leads to 28 arrests

A two-day police crackdown on county lines drug dealing has led to 28 arrests in Merseyside.

Police said officers targeted stations and trains across the rail network as well as roads to "dismantle" the drug trade routes in Sefton.

Merseyside Police said 23 vulnerable children and adults were rescued and £10,000 in cash was seized on 23 and 24 October after areas in Southport and Bootle were targeted.

Thirteen of those arrested were held on suspicion of possession with intent to supply and Class A and B drug supply offences.

Police said a "quantity of Class A drugs" was seized during the operation and there were an additional 71 new intelligence reports.

Two vehicles were also seized as police carried out 82 stop and searches.

Supt Paul Holden said: “County lines causes misery for our communities so it is absolutely right that we continue to put significant effort into identifying and arresting those involved."

He added: "Every piece of intelligence builds a picture and can help us close a criminal enterprise and prosecute county lines gangs who are targeting children, young people and the vulnerable.”

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