A 59-year-old man from Anfield has been arrested on suspicion of drug supply offences after police on patrol seized a quantity of suspected Class A drugs. The arrest occurred on Sunday, 21 September, as part of a targeted operation by the EVOLVE Everton-Vauxhall police unit.
Officers discovered 22 wraps of what is believed to be crack cocaine during a search. The suspect was taken into custody for questioning and has since been released pending further investigation into the matter.
Key Takeaways
- A 59-year-old man was arrested in Anfield on suspicion of drug offences.
- Police seized 22 wraps of suspected crack cocaine, cash, and drug paraphernalia.
- The arrest was made by plainclothes officers from the EVOLVE Everton-Vauxhall unit.
- The suspect has been released under investigation following questioning.
- Police officials have reiterated the link between drug supply and serious violence in the community.
Details of the Police Operation
The incident began when officers from the EVOLVE Everton-Vauxhall team were conducting a plainclothes patrol in the Anfield area. This type of patrol allows officers to observe activities without being immediately identified as law enforcement, which can be effective in detecting criminal behaviour.
During their patrol on Sunday, 21 September, the officers noticed a man whose actions they deemed suspicious. Based on their training and experience, they decided to approach the individual to investigate further.
The man was detained and subjected to a search under police powers. It was during this initial search that officers found 22 individual wraps containing a substance suspected to be crack cocaine. A quantity of cash was also discovered on his person.
Further Searches and Discoveries
Following the initial findings, the police investigation expanded. Officers conducted a further search at a nearby house connected to the individual. This secondary search yielded more evidence related to potential drug distribution.
Inside the property, police found items described as drug supply paraphernalia. This can include equipment used for weighing, packaging, and preparing drugs for sale. An additional sum of cash was also located and seized from the premises.
Evidence Seized
- 22 wraps of suspected crack cocaine
- An undisclosed amount of cash from the initial search
- Drug supply paraphernalia from a subsequent house search
- Additional cash found at the property
The 59-year-old Anfield resident was formally arrested on two specific suspicions: possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply, and possession of criminal property. He was then transported to a custody suite for formal questioning by investigators.
The EVOLVE Initiative and Community Safety
The arrest was carried out by officers involved in EVOLVE, a multi-agency initiative designed to tackle serious and organised crime. The project, known locally as EVOLVE Everton-Vauxhall, is part of the national 'Clear, Hold, Build' strategy.
This strategy involves three phases:
- Clear: Police and partner agencies conduct targeted operations to disrupt and remove organised crime groups from an area.
- Hold: Once the initial disruption is complete, agencies work to maintain control and prevent other criminal groups from taking over.
- Build: The final phase focuses on long-term community regeneration, creating opportunities for residents and improving local services to prevent crime from returning.
Inspector Chris Taylor, a senior officer involved with EVOLVE Everton-Vauxhall, commented on the broader implications of such arrests. He stressed the connection between narcotics and other forms of crime that affect local communities.
“Drug supply goes hand in hand with serious violence and anti-social behaviour, which we are committed to tackling to improve the safety of those in Everton, Vauxhall and the immediate surrounding areas.”
Inspector Taylor also highlighted the predatory nature of drug supply networks, which often target vulnerable individuals and those struggling with addiction. He noted that the police work alongside partner organisations to offer support and help to these individuals.
Understanding Class A Drugs
Crack cocaine, the substance suspected in this case, is classified as a Class A drug in the UK. This is the most serious category, which also includes heroin, ecstasy, and LSD. A conviction for supplying a Class A drug can carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both.
Police Appeal for Public Information
Following the arrest, Merseyside Police have reinforced their appeal for information from the public. Officials emphasise that community intelligence is crucial for successfully disrupting drug-related crime and improving neighbourhood safety.
Inspector Taylor added, “Drugs cause significant harm and we urge anyone with information about those involved in drug-related activity to contact us or Crimestoppers, anonymously, so we can carry on making a positive difference to the lives of residents in these neighbourhoods.”
The current status of the arrested man is that he has been released pending further investigation. This means that while he is no longer in custody, the police inquiry is ongoing as they analyse the evidence and consider further action.
How to Report Information
Merseyside Police have provided several channels for the public to share information:
- By calling the non-emergency number 101.
- By sending a direct message on Facebook to @ForceCC.
- For those who wish to remain anonymous, by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers.
Crimestoppers can be reached by calling 0800 555 111 or by submitting a report through their secure online form. The charity guarantees that no personal details are taken and that calls or online reports cannot be traced.