Two men from Formby charged after yesterday's Police raids will appear in court today

Two men from Formby have been charged with Supplying Class A drugs. A further eight people have been charged from the borough following a police operation targeting serious and organised crime in the Sefton area yesterday (Thursday, 14 April 2016) when Police carried out dawn raids at thirteen addresses.

As part of raids on properties, officers recovered a suspected firearm from a property in Birkdale. A 39 year-old woman and a 46 year-old man were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs and possession of a firearm. What appeared to be a long-barrelled pistol had been seized and examinations took place to confirm if it was a viable weapon. Merseyside Police have now confirmed that tests on the long-barrelled pistol seized in Birkdale have established it is an imitation firearm.

The two men from Formby will appear in court today - Friday 15th April 2016, at South Sefton Magistrates. They are named as:

Trevor Randle, 61 years, of Chindit Close, Formby, charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine and diamorphine). Robert Flynn, 56 years, of Brows Lane, Formby, charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine and diamorphine).

Those charged in other areas are:

Warren Wright, 44 years, of Marshside Road, Southport, charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine and diamorphine). Dawn Rigby, 41 years, of Castle Street, Southport, charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine and diamorphine). Annie Billington, 53 years of Hart Street, Southport, charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine and diamorphine). Jonjo Webb, 26 years, of Bridge Meadow Road, Wirral, charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine and diamorphine). Kelsey Higgins, 49 years, of Elm Gardens, Seaforth, charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine and diamorphine). Kyle Horrocks, 20 years, of Argos Place, Bootle, charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine and diamorphine). Carl Mercer, 42 years, Riddock Road, Litherland, charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin), possession with intent to supply cannabis and abstraction of electricity. Thomas Mitchell, 54 years, of Merton Road, Bootle, charged with being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. They will appear at South Sefton Magistrates Court this morning (Friday, 15 April 2016)

Original post yesterday - Thursday 14th April:-

Nine men and one woman have been arrested in drugs raids this morning across Sefton. Officers from Sefton have carried out dawn raids at 13 addresses across Sefton this morning (Thursday, 14 April 2016) as part of an operation set up to tackle serious and organised crime. Warrants were executed at addresses in Formby, Southport, Birkdale, Litherland, Bootle and Seaforth following a 12 month operation into the supply and distribution of Class A and B drugs and nine men have today been arrested. A cannabis farm has been found at a property in Litherland and searches of all properties are ongoing.

Cannabis Farm at an address in Litherland

Sefton Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Claire Richards, said: “The action taken by officers this morning is the culmination of a 12 month operation targeting those involved in serious and organised crime within communities in Sefton. During the 12 months we have recovered Class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin) with an estimated street value of £10,000.

"The investigation was put in place after members of the public raised concerns about drug dealing in their communities. Sadly, sometimes those involved in the supply and distribution of drugs will resort to using firearms to protect their illegal trade, or to resolve petty disputes, as we have seen in the last couple of weeks. She added: "I would like to reassure that the public that we are relentless in our pursuit of those involved in serious and organised crime and we are committed to making our streets safer for our communities. "No-one should have to put up with drug dealing, and the associated crime it brings. We will work together with our communities to improve the quality of life in our neighbourhoods and make our communities stronger.

“If you are aware of drugs crime, or have information about those involved in serious and organised crime, in your area, let us know and we will take positive action and help you to improve your community. Calls to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 are anonymous and information provided could give us the opportunity to take positive action in your neighbourhood."