FOUR people have been arrested following dawn raids into gun and drug supply in Wirral.

Merseyside Police and National Crime Agency (NCA) carried out the raids on five homes across Wirral today (Tuesday, October 29).

A man and woman, both in their 20s, were arrested at an address in Birkenhead on suspicion of conspiring to import firearms while another woman in her 20s was arrested in Eastham on suspicion of money laundering.

A man in his 50s was also arrested at a home in Upton on suspicion of possessing class A drugs.

Paul Risby, NCA branch commander, said: “We are working relentlessly with partners to exploit every lead that emerges from our investigation so far.

“The recovery of the 56 firearms was a significant triumph in our fight against gun trafficking into the UK.

“And though we have hugely disrupted the organised crime group there is still work to do.”

These are the latest arrests in the same investigation which saw a further 13 detained across Merseyside and Bulgaria and resulted in 56 guns and 80kg of heroin recovered.

Detective superintendent Lisa Mahon of Merseyside Police, said: “We continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those involved in gun crime and it is vital that we work with our partners including the NCA to tackle weapon supply and pursue those on Merseyside who are involved in serious organised crime.

“I hope the people of Merseyside recognise that we are committed to making our communities and streets safer and that we will continue to take action when necessary.

“I would urge anyone who has any information about those involved in serious organised crime, or gun crime, on Merseyside to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, and we will act on all information received.”

Last month two packages containing 14 guns, eight silencers and 691 rounds of ammunition destined for Merseyside were intercepted.

In co-ordinated strikes Bulgarian authorities made their arrests and also seized 39 handguns, 21 silencers, 1,253 rounds of ammunition and 80kg of heroin all destined for the UK.