Merseyside Police are continuing to crackdown on organised crime in troubled estates and have arrested 18 people.
On Wednesday, February 8, the force undertook a day of action with the aim of disrupting organised criminal activity around the Beechwood estate, as well as targeting potential drugs supply at the ports and tunnels. Police said the activity, part of an ongoing disruption initiative called Operation Vermont, is not directly linked to the murder of Elle Edwards on Christmas Eve but follows longstanding issues in the area involving criminal gangs.
During the day police carried out 37 stop searches, open land searches, executed three warrants, searched three homes and seized drugs, weapons and vehicles. A total of 18 people were arrested for a variety of offences and police say they are continuing to reassure the public.
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In one stop, Merseyside Police and Mersey Tunnels Police officers stopped a vehicle and recovered a bag of cannabis. A subsequent search at the home of one of the people in the vehicle led to the discovery of a machete.
An 18-year-old man from Birkenhead was arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled Class B drug and was later released under investigation. Officers were also in action at Twelve Quays Ferry Terminal, where they worked in partnership with agencies.
In total, 66 vehicles arrived from Belfast and all drivers and occupants were spoken to by police and partner agencies. As officers left Twelve Quays, they saw a man acting suspiciously.
Following checks, a 23-year-old from Ellesmere Port was arrested and recalled to prison. In another area of Wirral, officers in Birkenhead were able to recover a recently stolen motorbike and return it to its owner.
Officers also carried out a warrant at an address on Cannon Hill, Claughton in an effort to disrupt drugs supply in the area. A 44-year-old man from Claughton was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug. He has been released under investigation.
After officers saw a suspected drugs transaction on Adelaide Road, Birkenhead, they arrested a man on suspicion of drugs offences. Scott McLoughlin, 29, of Woodchurch Road, Oxton, has been charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs (heroin and cocaine) and Class B drug (cannabis). He has been remanded in custody to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday, March 3.
Superintendent Matthew Moscrop said: “We are continuing to take a firm approach to tackling criminality in Wirral. Our officers made a number of arrests last Wednesday as part of Operation Vermont, which has prevented drugs supply, violence, dangerous driving and taken weapons off the streets of Wirral.
“Serious and organised crime has no place in our communities and our officers will continue to disrupt these groups. Our officers patrol Wirral 365 days a year in order to keep people safe and will bring anyone who brings fear and intimidation to our streets to justice.
“We have a range of tools at our disposal in order to disrupt offenders, including stop searches, dispersal zones, warrants and land searches. We target patrols according to intelligence we receive, so if you witness any anti-social or threatening behaviour in your area, please let us know and we will take action.”
Anyone who has information about drug dealing in the community, where weapons are being stored or who is using them can contact us by sending a DM to @MerPolCC, calling 101 or contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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