Machete, drugs and cash seized as three arrested in Huyton
Two men were found hiding in a back garden during the search
Three men have been arrested on suspicion of drug offences after officers seized suspected Class B drugs, cash and a machete in Huyton.
Merseyside Police said officers were on patrol in the area on the night of Tuesday 15th September 2026 when they spotted a man acting suspiciously.
Stop search leads to wider investigation
During a stop search of the man, officers found a small bag of white powder believed to be ketamine.
A further search of his home uncovered more suspected ketamine and cannabis, drug paraphernalia, several mobile phones, cash and a machete, police said.
While searching the back garden of the address, officers found two men hiding under leaves and garden waste.
They were also searched and were found to be in possession of suspected drugs, cash and so-called 'graft' phones, which police say are commonly used in drug dealing.
Further searches of their homes uncovered two more phones and small bags used to package drugs, according to police.
A 20-year-old man from Huyton, a 17-year-old male from Kirkby and a 25-year-old man from Ashton-in-Makerfield were arrested on suspicion of possession of Class B drugs with intent to supply.
They remain in custody at a police station in Merseyside for questioning, police said.
Part of wider crackdown
Huyton is one of four areas in Merseyside covered by EVOLVE, the force's name for its work under the Home Office's Clear, Hold, Build initiative.
The scheme sees police working alongside partners and communities to rebuild areas affected by serious and organised crime.
Superintendent Paul Holden said: "Drugs and the associated criminality they can bring into our communities have a devastating impact on residents and we are committed to relentlessly pursuing those suspected of being involved.
"Every arrest, seizure and intervention is part of our wider commitment to making EVOLVE areas safer place to live, work and visit and we will continue to work with our partners and communities to keep improving these neighbourhoods.
"We encourage anyone with information about suspected drug dealing or any other criminal activity to report it to us, or to Crimestoppers, anonymously.
"The information you provide helps us build a clearer picture of what is happening locally and enables us to take action where appropriate, supporting vulnerable people and bringing offenders to justice."
Anyone with information can contact Merseyside Police via @MerPolCC on X, 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook, or by calling 101.
Reports can also be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or online.
People should always call 999 if a crime is in progress.