Remarkable photos released by detectives show the extent of an enormous drugs bust which revealed kilos of heroin and cocaine stashed in a wardrobe.
The raids came a fortnight after a van was stopped by police in Huyton carrying seven kilos of cocaine, with the driver allegedly fleeing the scene. That stoppage and further raids led officers to a total of 10 kilos of cocaine and 31 kilos of heroin with a street value estimated at around £4million.
Two men have now been charged with drugs supply offences after the operation, conducted by the specialist Merseyside Organised Crime Partnership, comprising of officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Merseyside Police.
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According to the NCA, on April 6 officers signalled for a van to stop in Huyton as it was believed be involved in supplying drugs. The driver stopped and allegedly ran away, but officers recovered seven kilos of cocaine from the vehicle.
The investigation continued and yesterday two raids were carried out resulting in the arrests of two men, the recovery of 36 kilos of Class A drugs and £2,000 cash. Gareth Purcell, 65, of Ullet Road, by Sefton Park, will appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court accused of possession with intent to supply heroin and cocaine and being concerned in the supply of cocaine.
Also appearing is Gareth Hooton, 34, of Pencombe Road, Huyton. He is charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine, dangerous driving, failing to stop and driving without insurance.
The OCP is a specialist team set up to tackle high risk organised crime groups linked to drugs and firearms. It is funded by Project Adder – Government money for targeted drugs enforcement combined with enhanced treatment and recovery services.
