Merseyside county lines crackdown leads to 87 arrests

Police said 15 drugs lines were closed after a week of action

Eighty-seven people have been arrested and 14kg of drugs were seized during a week of action by police tackling county lines drug dealing.

The operation was part of Merseyside Police-led Project Medusa, which targets drugs gangs across the UK.

Twelve axes, Class A and B drugs, and more than £112,000 cash were seized and 63 vulnerable people were safeguarded between 9-15 October, police said.

Insp Stephen Morris said it was a "stark warning" to offenders.

Officers uncovered 361 cannabis plants in raids as part of Project Medusa

Project Medusa is funded by the Home Office and also works to tackle the criminal exploitation of young people and vulnerable adults.

Officers searched properties and carried out safeguarding visits between 9-15 October, and also worked with other forces, including Jersey, North Wales, Cheshire and Greater Manchester.

Sixty-three people were identified as being at risk of exploitation and safeguarded, Merseyside Police said.

Insp Morris said: "My message to those involved in county lines is clear.

"We have a zero-tolerance approach to serious organised crime, and we are relentless in our pursuit of those involved."

He said this week of action was "just a snapshot of the work we do all year round".

"The arrests and seizures made should act as a stark warning to county lines offenders - you will be caught and be put before the courts," he added.

Weapons including 12 axes were seized

Officers also offered more than 550 young people educational sessions to show how to help spot the signs of exploitation and how to refer to support services.

Jimmy Belmar, lead for Operation Stonehaven at Merseyside Police, said: "Intimidation, fear, coercion, and threats of violence are just some of the realities for a child, or vulnerable person, being exploited by criminals involved in county lines.

"We will not allow this exploitation to happen in our communities and we will continue to work hard to protect vulnerable adults and children and ensure Merseyside is a safe place."