Massive Joint Drug Crackdown Hits Lancashire and Merseyside
Police from Lancashire and Merseyside joined forces on Friday, November 20, in a massive operation to bust drug gangs expanding across Blackpool and St Annes. Dubbed Operation Medusa, the crackdown aimed to smash organised crime groups running violent County Lines drug networks.
County Lines Gangs Exploit Vulnerable Locals
Intelligence revealed Liverpool gangs moving into the Fylde coast, violently pushing out local dealers and exploiting children and vulnerable adults to push Class A and B drugs. Officers targeted railways, motorways, and busy town centres, seizing cash and suspected drugs.
“County lines is an increasingly significant threat both nationally and locally within Lancashire,” said Temporary Detective Superintendent Becky Smith. “These gangs target areas with high demand for Class A drugs and vulnerable people. They use coercion, threats, and serious violence to exploit children and adults.”
“We are committed to disrupting these gangs and protecting our communities every day.”
Roadblocks and Stop Searches Snare Multiple Suspects
Merseyside Police sent roads policing units to motorways linking Merseyside and Lancashire, hunting down drug-related vehicles. Stop searches in Blackpool and St Annes netted a haul of suspects with drug and driving offences.
Chief Inspector Karl Baldwin of Merseyside Police said: “Organised crime groups are exploiting the vulnerable to move and supply drugs. This operation is just one step in our ongoing fight. We urge the public to come forward with any information about drug dealing or exploitation.”
Arrests Made, Investigations Ongoing
- Salford man, 30, arrested for supplying drugs; released under investigation
- Blackpool man, 29, faces charges of drug-driving and drug supply; released under investigation
- Halifax man, 24, arrested for drug supply and assault; released under investigation
- Coventry man, 35, arrested for drug-driving; released under investigation
- Multiple Blackpool men arrested on suspicions ranging from drug-driving to possession with intent to supply; all released under investigation
- Batley man, 40, arrested for drug-driving; released under investigation
If you have info on County Lines or drug dealing, call Lancashire Police on 101. Help put an end to exploitation and crime in your community.
