More than 30 arrested in major drugs operation

More than 100 officers "flooded" the city in two days

Knives, drugs and an air rifle have been seized as part of a major drugs operation in Plymouth, police have said.

Devon and Cornwall Police said it joined forces with the Project Medusa County Lines team from Merseyside Police on 9 and 10 July to detect and disrupt drugs supply in the city.

It said more than 100 officers "flooded" the city in plain clothes foot patrols and in specialist vehicles.

The force said it pursued cars with links to drugs, arrested wanted people and searched properties.

Crime and violence

Police said more than 30 people were arrested, with others being dealt with by voluntary interview.

It said 10 vehicles were taken off the roads, and drugs including cannabis, cocaine and steroids were found and seized.

Det Insp Kev Morley, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said arrests were made for the importation, supply and use of drugs; as well as the seizing of weapons, drugs and cash.

"All of which play their parts in the commission of crime and violence," he said.

Insp Stephen Morris, from Merseyside Police, said Project Medusa was Merseyside's initiative to tackle county lines drug deal and child criminal exploitation.

He said officers from the project were continuing to work alongside other forces to close county lines and safeguard vulnerable individuals from the grip of toxic gangs.

“If we want to tackle county lines effectively, we must work across borders to target these criminals and keep all communities safe", he said.