EIGHTEEN people were arrested for various offences during a day of action targeting organised crime on Wirral.
As part of Operation Vermont last Wednesday (February 8) police also carried out 37 stop searches, open land searches, executed three warrants, searched three properties, seized quantities of Class A and B drugs and seized three vehicles.
The activity follows serious incidents of organised crime in areas including Wallasey, Beechwood and Woodchurch.
The following is a summary of work carried out by police during the day:
Through work with Mersey Tunnels Police, a vehicle was stopped a recovered a bag of cannabis. A subsequent search at the home of one of the people in the vehicle led to the discovery of a machete. An 18-year-old man from Birkenhead was arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled Class B drug and was later released under investigation.
Police also took part in Operation Rusty at Twelve Quays Ferry Terminal, where they worked in partnership with agencies. In total, 66 vehicles arrived from Belfast and all drivers and occupants were spoken with by police and partner agencies. As police left Twelve Quays, they saw a man acting suspiciously. Following checks, a 23-year-old from Ellesmere Port was arrested and recalled to prison.
In Birkenhead, a recently stolen motorbike was found and returned to its owner.
Police carried out a warrant at an address on Cannon Hill, Claughton in an effort to disrupt drugs supply in the area. A 44-year-old man from Claughton was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug. He has been released under investigation.
After officers saw a man involved in a suspected drugs transaction on Adelaide Road, Birkenhead, we arrested a man on suspicion of drugs offences. Scott McLoughlin, 29, of Woodchurch Road, Oxton, has been charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs (heroin and cocaine) and Class B drug (cannabis). He has been remanded in custody to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday, March 3.
Superintendent Matthew Moscrop said: "We are continuing to take a firm approach to tackling criminality in Wirral.
"Our officers made a number of arrests last Wednesday as part of Operation Vermont, which has prevented drugs supply, violence, dangerous driving and taken weapons off the streets of Wirral.
"Serious and organised crime has no place in our communities and our officers will continue to disrupt these groups.
"Our officers patrol Wirral 365 days a year in order to keep people safe and will bring anyone who brings fear and intimidation to our streets to justice.
"We have a range of tools at our disposal in order to disrupt offenders, including stop searches, dispersal zones, warrants and land searches.
"We target patrols according to intelligence we receive, so if you witness any anti-social or threatening behaviour in your area, please let us know and we will take action."
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