Police Crack Down on County Lines Drug Gangs in Lancashire and Merseyside
Lancashire and Merseyside police have teamed up for Operation Medusa, targeting violent drug gangs exploiting vulnerable locals. The crackdown follows intel that Liverpool gangs were muscling into new towns, using brutal force to oust local dealers and forcing kids and vulnerable adults into drug running.
County Lines Gangs Exploit the Most Vulnerable
Detective Superintendent Rebecca Smith from Lancashire Police spoke out against the gangs. “We want to hit criminals hard but also protect young and vulnerable people who have been exploited,” she said. “Working across borders with other forces is key to breaking these networks and locking up offenders.”
She added: “These gangs use dedicated ‘deal lines’ to move Class A drugs, spreading violence and fear. They exploit children and vulnerable adults, often taking over homes by force — known as ‘cuckooing’. It’s a devastating cycle that wrecks communities.”
Operation Medusa: Key Arrests and Seizures
Undercover officers patrolled the West End, searching 13 people and 6 vehicles. They seized cash, mobile phones, and suspected Class A drugs. The blitz resulted in multiple arrests, including:
- 23-year-old man, no fixed address – drugs possession with intent to supply (released under investigation)
- 20-year-old man, no fixed address – drugs possession with intent to supply (in custody)
- 26-year-old man, no fixed address – drugs possession with intent to supply (in custody)
- 29-year-old woman, no fixed address – drugs possession with intent to supply (in custody)
- 29-year-old man from Heysham – drugs possession with intent to supply (released under investigation)
- 20-year-old man from Morecambe – supplying controlled drug (released under investigation)
- 18-year-old man from Heysham – drugs possession with intent to supply (released under investigation)
- Others arrested for dangerous or drug driving but released pending enquiries.
Community Action Needed to Cut Off County Lines
Det Supt Smith urged locals to come forward with information. “We need intelligence from the community to track down these gangs and protect victims, especially children.”
If you suspect drugs activity in your area, don’t stay silent—call 101 to help police tackle this menace.
