Men and women were arrested after raids targeted an "untouchable" gang.
Pre-dawn raids took place in Runcorn, Speke and Anfield, targeting 14 homes simultaneously to prevent word spreading of the crackdown before suspects could react. The suspected organised crime group (OCG) was reported to be so tightly knit that some properties were even next door or next door but one to each other.
Eleven warrants were in Runcorn, one in Widnes and one in Anfield and another in Speke. The joint operation between Merseyside Police and Cheshire Police resulted in 13 arrests overall.
READ MORE: 'Untouchable drug gang' targeted by 200 officers in morning raids
The arrests are part of a six-month investigation by detectives from Merseyside Police County lines investigation team and Cheshire Police into an organised crime group (OCG) operating in and around the Runcorn area. A 22-year-old man and a 54-year-old woman in Speke, a 20-year-old man in Anfield and 21-year-old woman in Widnes were arrested on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs and money laundering.
They were all taken to a police station in Cheshire where they remain in custody.
Detective Inspector Gary Stratton said: “These arrests formed part of a successful morning of action across Merseyside and Cheshire where criminals suspected in being involved in drugs supply were targeted. By working with Cheshire Constabulary our officers will target those involved in organised crime and bring to justice those we suspect of any illegal activity.
“The operations demonstrates our continued partnership to policing across our borders and prevents people from living in fear in our communities. If you have any information any form of serious or organised crime including drug dealing, violence and the exploitation of children please contact us so we can take action.”
Ch Insp Blizard The ECHO the OCG “thought they were untouchable and they ruled the Murdishaw area” but their “reign of command is coming to an end”, as he assured residents that police would act on their concerns and urged them to report any problems.
He said: "Today has seen multiple arrests across Runcorn, Widnes and Merseyside. This group felt that they were untouchable, they felt that they ran the locality.
“Today we sent a clear message to them that that is not the case."
Any information you have can be sent to police via on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police Contact Centre.
You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at Give information | Crimestoppers ( crimestoppers-uk.org ). Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.
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