POLICE in Wirral arrested a man attempting to transport 150 cannabis plants out of the country as part of a campaign targeting organised crime.

Merseyside Police carried out activity during County Lines Intensification Week, as part of regional and national action to tackle the issue.

Co-ordinated by the force’s Project Medusa team, the intensification week included operations, warrants, safeguarding of and visits to vulnerable people.

The man arrested with cannabis plants was detained by Wirral Targeted Team in a partnership operation with Border Force, National Crime Agency and Ports Police at the sea port to Belfast.

During the week of action:

  • 41 arrests were made for offences including drugs supply and possession, and possession of weapons
  • During warrants and other activity, 150 cannabis plants were recovered, alongside 12kg of amphetamine and 300 wraps of heroin 
  • Officers’ recovered two viable firearms with ammunition
  • A large number of vulnerable people were engaged with, with relevant referrals being submitted, through Operation Stonehaven safeguarding programmes
  • A total of five County Lines were closed

Detective Superintendent Andy O’Connor said: "This week’s activity is just a snapshot of the work Project Medusa and officers across the force do, day in day out to tackle County Lines. As a force we are committed to working alongside partners and other forces to close down these County Lines, protect vulnerable people and remove those who exploit them from our streets.

"Through Project Medusa, we work with other forces, BTP and local authorities and agencies to target offenders and protect victims. We’ve closed more than 180 County Lines and safeguarded more than 100 people this year alone.

“We cannot stop this criminality alone, we need to continue our work with partners and we need the public’s help. It’s vital that everyone who cares for or knows young and vulnerable people understands the issue and knows the warning signs.”

Read more here about the Eyes Open campaign, introduced by Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership: https://www.eyes-open.co.uk You can also report any concerns to police on 999 if a crime is in progress, via 101, or our social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC.

You can also pass information via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.