Police targeted two areas in an attempt to break down a county line out of Liverpool.
Officers from Merseyside Police County Lines Team, Project Medusa, and Devon and Cornwall Police carried out a number of raids at the same time on Thursday, July 14. The raids took place in Croxteth and Penzance, in Cornwall, as officers seized huge quantities of suspected Class A drugs (heroin and cocaine).
Police arrested 17 people in total, who were taken to police stations where they will be questioned by detectives.
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Merseyside Police Detective Inspector Gary Stratton said: “This has been another large operation with Devon and Cornwall, and those suspected of these offences will now be questioned.
“Drug supply is hugely damaging to our communities, often involving intimidation, violence and creating fear, through the running of County Lines. Those involved pay no notice to borders so it is vital we share intelligence and resources, in order to target networks, safeguard vulnerable people and prevent further harm.
“This follows on from a separate work last month in which 40 people were arrested in Devon and Cornwall for drug and other offences, with drugs, weapons, cash and vehicles seized. Our message is very clear, we are committed to supporting our communities, protecting the vulnerable and we will pursue those who intend to commit crime.”
Devon and Cornwall Detective Inspector Glenn Willcocks said: “The activity carried out across West Cornwall and Merseyside forms part of an ongoing investigation into County Lines drug supply between the two force areas.
"By sharing intelligence and coordinating our policing response with other forces we have been able to carry out a significant operation across two counties and have arrested a number of individuals. Those arrested will be interviewed in due course in relation to this investigation.”
Read more here about the Eyes Open campaign, introduced by Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership: https://www.eyes-open.co.uk
You can also report any concerns to police on 999 if a crime is in progress, via 101, or our social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC.
You can also pass information via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.
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