Merseyside Police have arrested 66 people following a series of raids across the region, seizing weapons, drugs, and an estimated £500,000 of suspected stolen or counterfeit designer clothing, bags, trainers, and shoes.
More than 300 officers took part in the operation on July 23, spanning Liverpool, St Helens, Knowsley, Sefton, and Wirral. Police executed 45 warrants in total, with 55 arrests made on the day and the number rising to 66.
Weapons and Drugs Seized
Officers seized two zombie knives, a machete, a knife, a CS gas canister and baton, two bullets, a BB gun, and a replica firearm. Drugs recovered included 10 blocks of cannabis, 5kg of cannabis in wraps, 30 wraps of white powder, and one large bag of suspected drugs.
Six scooters, 19 e-bikes, four cars, and a quad bike were also seized, along with £60,000 in cash. Additionally, £5,000 of designer clothing was seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Arrests Across Merseyside
Suspects were detained on suspicion of a range of offences including rape, sexual offences, sexual communication with a child, possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs, possession of indecent images, handling stolen goods, burglary, theft, harassment, controlling and coercive behaviour, domestic assault, threats to kill, stalking, false imprisonment, and dangerous driving.
In Liverpool, 11 warrants were executed with 25 arrests, seizing £27,000 cash, six e-bikes, three cars, and 10 blocks of cannabis. In Wirral, 10 warrants led to 13 arrests and seizures of £500,000 of counterfeit clothing, drugs, 22 stolen pedal cycles, 13 e-bikes, two e-scooters, and two zombie knives. In Sefton, 15 warrants resulted in 17 arrests and seizures of drugs and cash. In Knowsley and St Helens, nine warrants led to 11 arrests and seizures of £5,000 of designer clothing, over £30,000 cash, 5kg of cannabis, and two bullets.
Police Statement
Chief Superintendent Mark Wiggins said: "Today’s operation is all about demonstrating very clearly our contempt for criminality and our compassion for those the people in our communities who suffer at the hands of criminals." He added: "While today’s activity has shown the huge array of tools at our disposal, we are conducting warrants, stop checks, searches and roadside operations all year round. The message to criminals should be clear – if you offend anywhere in Merseyside, you are in our sights and we have the people, the resources and the will to bring you to justice to protect our communities from harm."
Anyone with information on crime in their area can contact Merseyside Police via X or Facebook @MerPolCC, report via their website, or call 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
