Two people have been arrested after police spotted a man throwing £2,000 into a bush.
Officers patrolling St Helens, at around 1.45pm on Friday, June 30, noticed a group of people acting suspiciously on Roscoe Street. They then witnessed a man throw the cash and 30 wraps of suspected crack cocaine/heroin as he ran in to the bushes.
A 17-year-old boy, from Chorley, was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a controlled Class A drugs, heroin and crack cocaine and acquire/use/possess criminal property. He has been released under investigation.
A 40-year-old woman ,from St Helens, was also arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled Class A and B drugs, heroin and cannabis. She was given a community resolution order.
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Superintendent Phil Mullally said: "Organised crime is hugely damaging to our communities, often involving intimidation, violence and creating fear and it is these criminals who run County Lines. Criminals involved in organised crime have no thought for anyone other than themselves, and their criminal intent and greed
"We have various proactive police operations which are dedicated to cutting these County Lines dead and taking those who operate them off our streets and working with partners to help those who may be exploited by these gangs."
Police have now increased their high visibility foot patrolling with a view to preventing violent crime. They hope it will help them gain intelligence to target criminals in the area and safeguard vulnerable people who could be being exploited by criminal gangs.
Superintendent Mullally added: "Criminals be warned that if you get involved in crime, you risk facing the consequences. But when we identify vulnerable, exploited people during our enquiries, we ensure they are treated with sensitivity and understanding, and are offered the appropriate support."
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