Merseyside Police executed nine coordinated warrants at six properties and three cars
Police carry out ketamine supply raids in St Helens(Image: Merseyside Police)
Three people have been arrested after police carrying out a series of raids found ketamine, methadone and a significant amount of cash. Merseyside Police said the arrests were made on Friday morning as part of a probe tackling the supply of ketamine in the St Helens area.
Officers executed nine coordinated warrants, at six properties and on three vehicles, at around 9.30am. Police seized large quantities of suspected controlled class A and B drugs, ketamine and methadone, a significant amount of money along with drugs paraphernalia and a suspected stolen motorbike were recovered.
Three people were arrested on suspicion of various alleged offences following the operation. They were:
A 28-year-old man from Rainford on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class B drugs, ketamine.
A 25-year-old woman from Rainford on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class B drugs, ketamine.
A 38-year-old woman from St Helens on suspicion of possessing controlled class B drugs with intent to supply, ketamine.
In addition, a further two people from St Helens will attend a voluntary interview in connection with the suspected supply of controlled class A drugs, methadone.
Ketamine seized as part of raids in St Helens(Image: Merseyside Police)
Merseyside Police Detective Sergeant Harry James said: “Ketamine use remains a pressing issue in St Helens, as well as nationally for young people, and today’s operation is part of our proactive work to ensure we take offenders supplying drugs off our streets.
“Let me be clear, ketamine use should not be taken lightly, and it is not a harmless drug. It is highly addictive and the long-term damage to the body is devastating. It damages the bladder, kidneys and liver, causing excruciating pain and, in some cases, requiring surgical removal of organs.
“Many young users develop incontinence issues and chronic health conditions that will affect them for the rest of their lives. Our partners in the NHS have seen children as young as 12 requiring medical treatment for ketamine-related problems.
“What makes it even more concerning is that young people using ketamine are at risk of being drawn into the world of county lines drug dealing, where they can be exploited and manipulated by criminals. Drug dealing is a blight on our community, causes misery to families and often involves the exploitation of children. We are relentless in pursuing those involved in drug dealing and serious and organised criminality in Merseyside.”
Det Sgt James added: “The activity this morning is about enforcement, targeting those people suspected of exploiting vulnerable people in our community by peddling this dangerous drug. But we have undertaken extensive work with partners to tackle the problem and safeguard our young people.
“Last month we held a Day of Action with St Helens College raising awareness of the risks of substance misuse where we worked with organisations including St Helens Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Team (YPDAAT); Change, Grow, Live (CGL); St Helens Council; the Youth Offending Team; and youth charity VIBE.
“Our partnership approach recognises that tackling drug-related issues requires collaboration across education, health, social care and law enforcement. By combining operational policing such as today’s warrants with educational sessions, we aim to disrupt criminal activity while providing young people with crucial information about the dangers of ketamine and how to access support if needed.”
A spokesperson for the force added: “If you believe ketamine is being dealt in your area, please contact Merseyside Police via the social media desk on X @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’. You can also pass information via Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org.”