A suspected drug dealer has been named as a man, 22, remains in custody.
Merseyside Police officers, who are part of Operation Toxic, raided a home on Rainworth Square in Southport on Wednesday, September 20. Joshua McKenna, 22, was arrested and officers recovered items linked to a suspected drug line operating between Southport and South Liverpool, £1,900 of cash, and a push dagger.
McKenna was later charged on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs (cannabis), possession of a controlled drug and possession of an offensive weapon in a private place. He has been remanded into custody and appeared at Liverpool Magistrates Court on September 21.
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Detective Inspector Gary Stratton from Merseyside Police said: “This investigation forms part of our ongoing work to close County Lines across Merseyside. I would ask anyone who has information about this kind of activity to come forward so we can continue to take action.”
Operation Toxic is part of Project Medusa – a Merseyside-led initiative set up to tackle County Lines drug dealing and child criminal exploitation across the country.
Since 2019, Project Medusa officers have closed 1,101 county lines; arrested 2,421 people for various offences including drug supply, firearms offences and money laundering; and identified 1,256 vulnerable adults and children who have been referred to safeguarding services.
If you have concerns about drug dealing in your area you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, call Merseyside Police on 101 or DM @MerpolCC. Always contact 999 if a crime is in progress.
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