Two men involved in a County Lines drug trafficking operation were sentenced to a combined 10 years in prison on Friday, February 21, 2025, marking another significant victory in Merseyside Police’s ongoing battle against organized crime. The convictions, secured at Liverpool Crown Court, highlight the force’s relentless efforts under Operation Toxic, a key component of the nationwide Project Medusa initiative aimed at dismantling County Lines networks.

The Sentencing

• Lee Harrison, 27, of Liverpool Road, Huyton, was sentenced to five years after pleading guilty to:
  • Being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin
  • Possession with intent to supply cocaine
• Terence Rice, 36, of Bearwood Road, Tower Hill, Kirkby, was handed a sentence of five years and two months for:
  • Involvement in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin
  • Possession of an offensive weapon in a private place

Police Operation and Arrests

The arrests stemmed from a targeted police operation on November 25, 2024. Acting on intelligence, officers intercepted a BMW X3 traveling through the Wallasey Tunnel toward Liverpool. The vehicle was stopped on Jennifer Avenue, leading to the arrests of Harrison and Rice.

A subsequent search of Harrison’s home uncovered a significant stash of cocaine valued between £4,760 and £11,900, providing clear evidence of the scale of the drug operation. Additionally, Rice was found in possession of an offensive weapon, further compounding the severity of the charges.

The Scourge of County Lines

County Lines drug networks remain a significant threat across the UK, with gangs exploiting vulnerable individuals—often children—to transport and sell Class A drugs across regions. These networks use violence, coercion, and intimidation to maintain control over their “runners,” often leaving devastating impacts on communities.

Detective Sergeant Shaun McNee of Merseyside Police emphasized the gravity of the situation:

"County Lines gangs have no regard for the young, vulnerable people they coerce into running drugs across the country, often with threats of violence and intimidation. Merseyside Police leads nationally on the response to County Lines through Project Medusa, and we will relentlessly target those crime groups who cowardly exploit vulnerable people in our communities."

Operation Toxic: Striking at the Heart of Organized Crime

Operation Toxic is a cornerstone of Merseyside Police’s efforts to dismantle County Lines drug operations. Since its inception, the operation has led to hundreds of arrests and the seizure of large quantities of Class A drugs, cash, and weapons.

Project Medusa, the nationwide initiative that Operation Toxic falls under, is focused on:

• Disrupting County Lines networks
• Identifying and safeguarding vulnerable individuals, especially children
• Prosecuting those who exploit and harm communities

The success of Operation Toxic highlights the multi-agency approach adopted by law enforcement, working in tandem with local authorities, social services, and national crime agencies to combat the complex web of County Lines trafficking.

Community Involvement Key to Tackling Crime

Detective Sergeant McNee urged the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity:

"We know the devastation that drugs cause. Merseyside Police remains relentless in our pursuit of these criminals and ending their drugs trade. But we can’t do it alone. We need communities to be our eyes and ears—if you suspect County Lines activity, report it."

Signs of County Lines exploitation can include:

• Young people traveling alone on long train or bus journeys
• Unfamiliar individuals frequenting vulnerable persons’ homes (“cuckooing”)
• Increased drug-related activity in specific areas

If you suspect County Lines activity in your area:

• Contact Merseyside Police via Twitter at @MerPolCC
• Call Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111
• In an emergency, dial 999

A Continuing Fight

The convictions of Harrison and Rice are a significant win, but law enforcement acknowledges that the fight against County Lines is far from over. The National Crime Agency (NCA) estimates that there are over 1,000 active County Lines networks operating in the UK, causing harm to countless communities.

For more information on how you can help combat County Lines and protect vulnerable individuals, visit resources provided by Crimestoppers UK and NSPCC. The fight against organized crime is ongoing, and public awareness remains a crucial tool in bringing down these networks.

Stay with The Sentinel Current for ongoing coverage of this issue and other breaking news.

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