THREE people have been arrested by police in a crackdown on County Lines organised crime groups (OCGs) operating in the Wirral and Liverpool areas.

The trio were arrested yesterday, Friday, in connection with the supply of controlled drugs, with officers seizing drugs, cash and four vehicles.

In a statement, Merseyside Police said that a number of Covid-19 enforcements were also issued.

The operation was carried out as part of Project Medusa – a Merseyside-led initiative to crackdown on County Lines OCGs responsible for cross-border drugs supply and the criminal exploitation of young and vulnerable people.

Officers will continue to patrol the Mersey tunnels and main transport routes in Liverpool in a bid to identify vehicles being used by individuals known to be involved in wholesale County Lines drug supply and exploitation.

Inspector Katie Wilkinson said: “These County Lines OCGs are responsible for the widespread distribution of illegal drugs in other parts of the country, including north Wales.

Wirral Globe: Drugs seized by officers following the arrests as part of Project MedusaDrugs seized by officers following the arrests as part of Project Medusa

“The force’s Project Medusa, which consists of different types of operational activity, continues to use a variety of tactics to effectively disrupt and in turn bring down these OCGs.

“This operation resulted in three men arrested for being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs.

“Drugs, cash and four vehicles were seized and a number of Covid-19 enforcements were issued.

“While our work hits the criminals hard, we are committed to protecting vulnerable members of society who may fall prey to organised crime gangs.”

If you have any information about drug dealing in your area or are concerned about somebody who may be involved in County Lines, report it to police via merseyside.police.uk or by calling 101.

You can also direct message @MerPolCC or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.