Three arrests after ketamine raids in St Helens
Six vehicles and three vehicles were searched in the St Helens and Rainford areas
Three arrests have been made after a series of raids in St Helens to tackle the supply of ketamine.
Six properties and three vehicles were searched - with officers seizing:
- Suspected controlled Class A and B drugs
- Ketamine and methadone
- Money
- Drugs paraphernalia
- A suspected stolen motorbike
A 28-year-old man from Rainford and a 25-year-old woman from Rainford have been detained on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of ketamine.
A 38-year-old woman is also being questioned on suspicion of possessing ketamine with intent to supply.
Another two people from St Helens will be interviewed voluntarily in connection with the supply of methadone.
Detective Sergeant Harry James said:
"Ketamine use remains a pressing issue in St Helens, as well as nationally for young people, and today’s operation is part of our proactive work to ensure we take offenders supplying drugs off our streets.
"Let me be clear, ketamine use should not be taken lightly, and it is not a harmless drug. It is highly addictive and the long-term damage to the body is devastating. It damages the bladder, kidneys and liver, causing excruciating pain and, in some cases, requiring surgical removal of organs. Many young users develop incontinence issues and chronic health conditions that will affect them for the rest of their lives.
"Our partners in the NHS have seen children as young as 12 requiring medical treatment for ketamine-related problems.
"What makes it even more concerning is that young people using ketamine are at risk of being drawn into the world of County Lines drug dealing, where they can be exploited and manipulated by criminals.
"Drug dealing is a blight on our community, causes misery to families and often involves the exploitation of children. We are relentless in pursuing those involved in drug dealing and serious and organised criminality in Merseyside.
"The activity this morning is about enforcement, targeting those people suspected of exploiting vulnerable people in our community by peddling this dangerous drug.
"But we have undertaken extensive work with partners to tackle the problem and safeguard our young people.
"Last month we held a Day of Action with St Helens College raising awareness of the risks of substance misuse where we worked with organisations including St Helens Young People's Drug and Alcohol Team (YPDAAT); Change, Grow, Live (CGL); St Helens Council; the Youth Offending Team; and youth charity VIBE.
"Our partnership approach recognises that tackling drug-related issues requires collaboration across education, health, social care and law enforcement.
"By combining operational policing such as today’s warrants with educational sessions, we aim to disrupt criminal activity while providing young people with crucial information about the dangers of ketamine and how to access support if needed."