Dealers jailed for 122 years

Police acted on information provided by residents

Drug dealers who were arrested in dawn raids have been jailed for a total of 122 years.

The 42 dealers were among 55 people arrested in dawn raids across Liverpool in May 2003.

More than 100 officers from Merseyside and Cheshire Police worked on the operation over several months before the raids in Speke, Garston and Widnes.

Police acted on information from local residents about the so-called "untouchables of the drugs trade."

Operation Cray

The raids were part of Operation Cray, which targeted those involved in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin.

Defendants all appeared at Liverpool Crown Court and were jailed following a series of hearings since the raids.

They are all from the Liverpool area, including Wavertree, Speke and Garston, and were sentenced to prison terms ranging from one to seven years.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Mulcahey said the force was "delighted" with the outcome.

"I hope that this result sends a clear message out to anyone dealing drugs, Merseyside Police will find you, and you will go before the courts.

"I hope too that the people of south Liverpool are reassured that any information that you give us about drugs in your area will be acted upon, even if it involves those who are perceived as untouchable."