Officers have closed down six county lines and made over 200 arrests
Cash seized during the crackdown on county lines
Six county lines have been brought down by a covert intelligence operation where more than 200 people have been arrested and almost 30 weapons have been taken off the streets. Merseyside Police’s county lines team, Project Medusa, works to bring down organised crime involving networks and phone lines to move and supply drugs.
During a week of action from June 23 to June 29, officers worked with partners and other forces from across the UK to dismantle organised crime groups.
On Tuesday, June 24, police arrested a 16-year-old in Southport as he attempted to make off from officers as he was spotted being involved in a suspected drug deal on Hawesside Street in the town centre. He was detained after he was spotted dropping two packages near a parked car containing 32 wraps of suspected heroin and crack cocaine.
The teen, from Liverpool, was also found in possession of £280 and was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs. Further enquiries also revealed he was wanted for domestic assault.
Later that day, police also arrested a 42-year-old woman from Southport when she was found with 21 wraps of suspected crack cocaine and heroin and a burner phone. She was arrested for possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
Other activity also included warrants, safeguarding visits to vulnerable people and joint operations with West Mercia and North Wales Police.
In a joint operation between Merseyside Police and West Mercia Police, officers were deployed to Telford where they spotted a car which was suspected to be involved in the supply of drugs in the area.
One of the burner phones used by gangs in county lines
The driver failed to stop and drove dangerously through a housing estate. The vehicle eventually came to a stop and the driver jumped out of the car and tried to make his escape but was arrested at the scene. A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of supplying class A and class B drugs (cocaine, heroin and cannabis).
Police explained detectives are working tirelessly to compile covert intelligence and disrupt county lines. This has led to the closure of six county lines.
In total:
- 239 arrests linked to county lines activity
- Six drug lines identified and closed
- 2,775 wraps of crack cocaine, heroin and cocaine seized
- 3kg of Class A and Class B drugs seized (including crack cocaine, heroin, cocaine and cannabis)
- 194 cannabis plants seized and destroyed
- More than £38,000 in cash seized
- 28 weapons recovered
- 18 people identified as being at risk of exploitation and safeguarded
Inspector Stephen Morris said: “County lines brings violence, exploitation, and misery to our communities. We are committed to identifying and prosecuting those responsible, while protecting the vulnerable individuals they target.
“The results, which include 239 arrests, a significant amount of drugs seized, and six drug lines closed, are testament to the effective joint working between forces and partners.”
Senior Investigating Officer for Project Medusa, Jimmy Belmar, said: “Through Project Medusa, we are relentlessly pursuing those who exploit vulnerable people for criminal gain. At the same time, we are working closely with partners to safeguard those at risk and break the cycle of exploitation.
“The public plays a vital role in helping us dismantle these networks. Every report, every piece of information, helps us take action – whether it’s executing warrants, making arrests, or closing down drug lines. We urge everyone to keep their Eyes Open to the signs of exploitation and to speak out. Together, we can protect our communities and bring offenders to justice.”
Wraps of class A drugs seized from the network of gangs
Merseyside Police has launched a campaign called Eyes Open to raise awareness about the growing issue of child criminal exploitation and county lines.
A spokesperson said: “Eyes Open is a campaign to raise awareness about the growing issue of child criminal exploitation and county lines.
“The campaign highlights the predatory nature of gangs and how they groom children through a sense of belonging and ‘free’ gifts like designer clothes, vapes or expensive bikes – trapping them in a cycle of debt.
“Initially, these ‘free’ gifts may seem harmless – new clothes, gadgets, or money. But there’s always a catch. Young people, parents and carers are encouraged to keep their #EyesOpen to spot the signs of child criminal exploitation and to report any concerns or incidents they witness. To learn more about the signs of exploitation, please visit https://eyes-open.co.uk/.
“You can report any concerns to police on 999 if a crime is in progress, via 101, or our social media desk via X @MerPolCC. Young people can contact Crimestoppers via Fearless to access non-judgemental information and advice.”