THREE men and a 17-year-old boy have been arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A and B drugs with intent to supply.

As part of Merseyside Police's EVOLVE project to prevent serious and organised crime, there has been ongoing investigations into the drug trade in Liverpool and Knowsley.

On Tuesday, April 9, officers reported that they attempted to stop two males on Wilson Road in Prescot.

One ran off but was discovered and detained a short while later in the other male’s property.

A large knife was found near where officers had first tried to stop the pair and a subsequent search of the property led to the recovery of suspected cocaine and a large amount of suspected ketamine.

As a result, the 18-year-old man from Huyton and 17-year-old male from Prescot were arrested for possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs and possession of a bladed article.

The 18-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis, and the pair were taken to a police station and later released on bail pending further investigation.

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Two other men, aged 32 and 39 from Huyton, were also arrested for possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs and possession of criminal property, after spotting a man leaving a property with a large quantity of cash.

A subsequent search of the property revealed substantial amounts of suspected cocaine and cannabis, and the pair were also taken to a police station in Merseyside, and have since been released on bail pending further investigation.

Inspector Jennifer Murray, one of the officers involved in EVOLVE Liverpool-Knowsley which is one of Merseyside's three Clear, Hold, Build operations, said: “Drugs and violence go hand in hand and bring misery to our communities.

“We are determined to get drugs, those who sell them at street level and those in a hierarchy above them who are pulling their puppet strings, off our streets.

“Our officers and partners are committed to making this happen, but we need your help to make the greatest difference.

“The only way we are going to make that lasting difference in our communities is by piecing together all the information we receive, no matter how small, to build cases that see them put behind bars for many years.

“We know it may feel frightening to come forward with information but if you don’t want to speak to the police you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, and no-one but you will ever know you made that call or online report.

“When it comes to making our communities safer – silence is not an option.”

Anyone with any information about drugs or any other gang-related activity is asked to call Merseyside Police on 101, DM us @MerPolCC or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Alternatively, visit Crimestoppers’ website to make an online report here.