Teenagers safeguarded and cash seized in joint British Transport Police County Lines operation - Merseyside

Four young people identified as being at potential risk of exploitation have been safeguarded, thanks to a joint policing operation tackling County Lines in Liverpool this week.

British Transport Police (BTP) County Lines Taskforce  were supported by Merseyside Police in an operation at Liverpool Lime Street aimed at disrupting County Lines drugs supply.

Plain clothes and uniformed officers were joined by Police Dog Ash while passengers were directed to walk through a knife arch before leaving the station.

More than 20 stop searches were carried out and quantities of cannabis and ketamine were seized, while officers engaged with more than 100 members of the public, alongside local businesses and taxi drivers, to raise awareness of County Lines activity and how to report concerns.

A 16-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs after officers recovered around £1,000 in cash and a mobile phone believed to be linked to drug supply.

A 53-year-old man was also arrested for failing to appear at court in relation to driving offences.

The Taskforce was joined by its specialist safeguarding arm made up of social care experienced professionals who accompany the team, along with local agencies including drug and alcohol service River, Catch 22 and children’s social care.

Four teenagers were identified by the team as being at risk of exploitation and immediate safeguarding measures were put in place.

BTP County Lines Taskforce Detective Inspector Brian Buddo said: “Make no mistake, these interventions can be potentially life changing - if they prevent vulnerable young people from being picked up by drugs gangs or help them find a way out then then this can be a pivotal point in their lives.

“Joint operations like these are also key to us sharing intelligence throughout Liverpool and making the public aware of how to spot the signs of exploitation.

“We work across stations and on trains all over the country day in day out – whether you see us or not. We will not rest until we have smashed the gangs that exploit and use the vulnerable to peddle their drugs, often under the threat of harm to themselves or their families.

“If you’re using the railway to sell drugs – we’ll be seeing you very soon.

“Passengers who spot the signs of child exploitation or drug supply on the railway are urged to report it to us by texting 61016.”

Inspector Stephen Morris from Merseyside Police said: “On 16 June, officers from Merseyside Police’s County Lines Taskforce and Liverpool City Centre teams worked alongside British Transport Police at Lime Street Station as part of a joint operation tackling County Lines and exploitation.

“Using a mix of high-visibility patrols, plain clothes officers and proactive tactics, we targeted drug dealing while also looking for signs of vulnerability in those who may be being exploited.

“Stations and rail networks are a key focus for us, as they are often used to move drugs and traffic young and vulnerable people into neighbouring areas. Working with BTP in this way is always effective, helping us to disrupt criminal activity and safeguard those at risk.

“We carry out this work regularly, and we’d encourage anyone who spots signs of exploitation or suspicious behaviour to report it to police or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.”