Three people arrested after drugs and cash seized in county lines raid

Three people have been arrested in connection with suspected county lines drugs supply operating between Peterhead and Preston in Lancashire.

The arrests were made during a joint operation between Merseyside Police’s Project Medusa and Police Scotland.

Merseyside Police executed two warrants at addresses in Prescot and Huyton on December 23, seizing large quantities of suspected Class A controlled drugs, a significant amount of cash and drugs paraphernalia.

Two men, aged 38 and 41, and a 31-year-old woman were detained in connection with a series of suspected drug offences.

Detective inspector Andrew Machray from Police Scotland said that protecting vulnerable people who are “coerced, groomed and threatened by county lines drug dealers” was a priority for the force.

He added: “We work tirelessly in partnership with a wide range of organisations, including police forces across the UK, to target organised criminals who only care about power and money and travel to exploit our communities.

“Information from the public is crucial in helping us to combat those involved in drugs activity in our communities, and it is only when working together we can tackle drug dealing.”

Detective Sergeant Peter Sloan, from Merseyside’s Project Medusa said: “No area or community is immune to county lines drug supply, which is why intelligence‑led operations like this are essential to disrupt involved in the distribution of harmful drugs.

“Today’s action, delivered alongside Police Scotland, resulted in three arrests and the seizure of significant quantities of illegal drugs. This sends a clear message to those intent on exploiting vulnerable people and transporting drugs.”