Merseyside Cops Smash County Lines Drug Gangs in Major Road Blitz
Joint Police Operation Takes Down County Lines Traffic
On Thursday 19 May, Merseyside police teamed up with the Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU), North Wales Police, Cheshire Police, and Lancashire Constabulary to clamp down on County Lines drug dealing. Using sharp intelligence, the force’s Matrix Vehicle Enforcement Team (MVET) hit the roads across Merseyside and neighbouring counties, stopping vehicles linked to drug trafficking networks.
26 Cars Stopped, Three Arrested, Cash and Phones Seized
The hard-hitting operation saw officers pull over 26 suspicious cars, make three arrests, and seize cash and mobile phones tied to County Lines activity. MVET’s specialist squad uses high-tech gear and high-spec cars to hunt down criminals exploiting transport routes to move drugs and cash.
Detective Superintendent Vows To Scrap County Lines Exploitation
“This operation is just one tactic used by Project Medusa to crack down on those involved in County Lines,” said Detective Superintendent Andy O’Connor. “We target vehicles moving money, drugs, and even weapons across our region and into neighbouring counties.”
“County Lines gangs ruthlessly use any transport – cars, trains, buses – to shift their illegal goods. Today, we stopped these vehicles and took those responsible off our streets.”
“These gangs prey on young and vulnerable people, forcing them to move, store, and sell drugs while the criminals reap all the rewards. We’re determined to end this exploitation and treat those coerced with care.”
Regional Crime Unit Pledges Continued Fight Against Exploitation
Assistant Chief Constable Chris, from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU), said: “Our team, made up of officers from six forces, is committed to protecting young and vulnerable people exploited by gangs.”
“We work across local, regional, and national levels to share intelligence and take enforcement action. Today’s operation shows how strong partnerships help tackle County Lines and prevent harm.”
