A topless man was led into a police van following a number of raids surrounding the "Scouse Jonno" county line gang.
Officers from Merseyside Police’s Project Medusa and Greater Manchester Police's Challenger Organised Crime teams carried out multiple warrants on Tuesday, June 6. The warrants were conducted in relation to an investigation into the supply of Class A drugs by an organised crime group operating the "Scouse Jonno" County Line between Liverpool and Wigan.
A search of three addresses – Alder Avenue in Wigan, Victoria Road in Formby and Mount Road in Kirkby – uncovered cannabis plants, cannabis, mobile phones and approximately £2,000 in cash.
READ MORE: Two arrested after man ran from house covered in blood
A 44-year-old man from Wigan, a 32-year-old man from Formby and a 35-year-old man from Kirkby have been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. They have been taken to a police station in Merseyside where they remain in custody.
Pictures from the early morning raid showed a topless man being led into the back of a police van by several officers.
Detective Sergeant Peter Sloan from Merseyside Police said: “Merseyside’s Operation Toxic, as part of Project Medusa, continues to work closely with forces and other agencies to shut County Lines down. Today’s operation with GMP shows that we will relentlessly target those crime groups who cowardly exploit vulnerable people in our communities.
“Our work to remove these people from our streets and bring them to justice will continue on a daily basis and I would ask anyone who has information about this kind of activity to come forward so action can be taken.”
Detective Superintendent Simon Hurst who is leading Wigan’s Challenger Organised Crime Team said: “This morning we’ve taken further action to tackle the criminal gangs operating across Wigan and Merseyside. As well as making a number of arrests and seizing drugs, we’ve been able to collect valuable intelligence and safeguard a vulnerable person from further exploitation.
“Criminals don’t operate to borders and neither should we. By working with colleagues in neighbouring forces and a number of local authorities, we can combine intelligence and skills to protect the community and prevent further criminality.”
Anyone who has any information about County Lines drug dealing in their area or anyone who is concerned about someone who may be being exploited by these gangs, can contact @CrimestoppersUK completely anonymously on 0800 555 111 or contact 101. In an emergency always contact 999.
READ NEXT:
Properties, cars and Rolexes seized from drug boss who netted £28million
'Mini tornado' spotted after boy in zorb ball swept into the air
