Police seize cocaine valued at £10m from house

Cocaine believed to be worth around £10m has been seized after police searched a house in Liverpool as part of a continung operation aimed at so-called County Lines drug dealing.

Merseyside Police said 100kg (220lb) was recovered earlier from an address in the Old Swan district of the city.

Detectives are questioning a 53-year-old Liverpool woman who was arrested on suspicion of possession of intent to supply class A drugs.

The haul, part of the force's Operation Medusa, was found the day after a seizure of 38kg (83lb) of cocaine valued at £2.6m from a van stopped in Roby, Merseyside.

Det Insp Gary Stratton said: "This property was used to conceal over 100 kilos of cocaine worth around £10,000,000.

"This is the second seizure of class A drugs in Merseyside this week.

"Organised crime is hugely damaging to our communities, often involving intimidation, violence and creating fear. Those who are involved in organised crime have no thought for anyone other than themselves, and their criminal intent and greed.

"Project Medusa is dedicated in removing any illicit drugs from our communities and taking those who store them off our streets.

"By working with partners we can disrupt County Lines gangs and help vulnerable members of our community who may be exploited by these criminals."

"County lines" refers to the practice of urban drug gangs expanding their illegal drug markets into smaller towns and rural areas, using dedicated mobile phone lines to take orders.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.