Drugs police raid 27 homes

Addresses in Wirral and Liverpool were raided

Police have arrested 17 people during dawn drug raids in Merseyside.

The officers forced their way into 27 houses in Wirral and Liverpool as part of Operation Priory.

At one home a large quantity of cash was recovered along with an imitation firearm.

Officers were continuing to search the addresses following the raids on Wednesday morning.

We want to make it very clear that if you deal in drugs you will be caught

Chief Superintendent Val Barker

The operation - which involved 200 officers - was made possible after Merseyside Police received information from the public about alleged drug dealing.

Following the raids, Chief Superintendent Val Barker thanked the public for its support.

"Neighbourhood policing on Merseyside is all about reaching to the heart of our communities, and responding to what people feel is important.

"We will never be complacent about drug dealing and we are determined to break the link between drugs and crime.

"We want to make it very clear that if you deal in drugs you will be caught."