Four arrested and £20k recovered in raids in Speke and Widnes

Merseyside Police executed three search warrants simultaneously in the morning yesterday, Friday.

A warrant was executed in Widnes where a 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of money laundering and handling stolen goods.

A total of around £20,000 cash and a stolen motorbike were also recovered from the property.

A Misuse of Drugs Act warrant was executed in Speke and a 62-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of money laundering after the recovery of a large quantity of cash.

A further Misuse of Drugs Act warrant was executed in Speke and a 37-year-old woman and a 16-year-old male were arrested on suspicion of possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply.

A quantity of cannabis was also recovered.

The operation is aimed at disrupting organised crime networks by seizing illegal cash and drugs, which are used to fund other criminal activities, such as buying Class A drugs and firearms.

Insp Andy Wignall said: "The results show what can be achieved when the public share information with the police about drugs in their communities.

"We have seized more than £20,000 and a quantity of cannabis and I have no doubt this cash could have been used to buy drugs and firearms.

"It's a great result for Merseyside Police but more importantly it is a fantastic result for our communities where the criminals cause considerable misery for hard-working people who just want to earn an honest living.

"We will relentlessly target organised crime.

"If you have any information about any crime in your area please tell us by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

"Information from our communities is vital so anyone with information about gun crime or drugs, or if you know where weapons are being stored, please contact us so that we can make our streets safer."

Merseyside Police have confirmed today that all four suspects have been released under investigation pending further enquiries.