Over 500 arrested as Merseyside Police target serious crime in the region

have arrested 547 people, seized over 100 vehicles, and executed 125 warrants which has led to several firearms being recovered as part of police Operation Miller targeting serious and organised crime across Merseyside. 
 
A total of 13 firearms have been found in areas across Liverpool and a significant amount of drugs have been seized.

Yesterday officers patrolling an area in Huyton arrested two men aged 42 and 50 on suspicion of possession of criminal property, drug offences, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a firearm. Officers then found and seized a large quantity of cannabis, cash, designer clothing, trainers, perfumes/aftershaves, watches, a blade, and a cannister of pepper spray at an address in Huyton.

A man was also arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm in Norris Green on Wednesday afternoon. At around 4pm supermarket staff at a store on Lower House Lane reported a male walking around the store car park carrying a firearm. Officers found and detained a man in the area. Marian Danescu aged 29 of Croxteth Hall Lane West Derby was charged yesterday morning with possession of an imitation firearm. 

Officers in the Wirral have also made several arrests in the area.  Three arrests were made as part of Operation Presley targeting organised criminality in the area yesterday. One man aged 38 from Woodchurch was arrested on suspicion of drug driving in the area. Two men aged 41 also from Woodchurch were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class B drugs after officers noticed a strong smell of cannabis from their car. Officers searched the vehicle and found a large quantity of cannabis inside. 

During the operation there was a total of 14 stop searches,  six drug wipes and two vehicles seized.  

Earlier this week (Wednesday 7 September) officers also took part in a day of action that targeted suspected organised criminals in Wirral.

A 35-year-old man from Birkenhead was arrested on suspicion of robbery, drug offences and burglary after officers attended several addresses in the area. 

A 32-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of assaulting an officer in the same area.

A total of 11 arrests were made. 

Chief Inspector Peter Clark said: “Arrests like these means we can disrupt the activity of criminals and assist in proactive policing operations such as Operation Miller, through which we pursue and prevent organised crime groups across Merseyside.

“We hope these rising figures show our commitment in targeting anyone involved in drugs and serious crime.

“We will continue to target and disrupt criminals, who are destroying our communities, and remain committed to removing drugs and dangerous weapons across Merseyside. 

“Any information we receive is vital in our ongoing investigations to tackle the root cause of serious and organised crime and we are acting on all the information we receive.”

If you have any information on organised crime or weapons or drugs stored in your area please DM @MerPolCC or call 101. Alternatively, if you do not want to speak to police, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.