Police target county lines drug dealing on Merseyside

Officers from Merseyside Police’s Project Medusa team have today (Monday, 6 December) carried out two warrants, in the Kirkdale and Anfield areas of Liverpool, and arrested two people, following an investigation into County Lines drug dealing into Lancashire.

Officers were joined by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on this morning’s raid as he launched his 10-year-strategy tackle drugs for England and Wales. 

Today’s warrants were executed was part of the ongoing Project Medusa, a Merseyside-led initiative set up to tackle County Lines drug dealing and child criminal exploitation, which has seen more than 1,300 people arrested and £1.4 million cash seized.

Those arrested include a 34-year-old woman from Anfield and a 27-year-old man from Norris Green. They will be taken to police stations on Merseyside where they will be questioned.

Detective Inspector Gary Stratton said:

“Organised crime is hugely damaging to our communities, often involving intimidation, violence and creating fear and it is these criminals who run County Lines. Criminals involved in organised crime have no thought for anyone other than themselves, and their criminal intent and greed.

“Project Medusa is dedicated to cutting these County Lines dead and taking those who operate them off our streets and working with partners to help those who may be exploited by these gangs.”

Read more here about how to spot the signs of exploitation linked to drug dealing and the Eyes Open campaign, introduced by Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership here www.eyes-open.co.uk

You can also report any concerns to police on 999 if a crime is in progress, via 101, or via Twitter @MerPolCC.

You can also pass information via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form here.