Eight people have been charged after suspected cocaine was seized by officers from a specialist crime team in Merseyside.
Officers from the Organised Crime Partnership – a joint investigation team comprised of Merseyside Police and National Crime Agency officers – carried out strikes at addresses in Liverpool, Sefton and Southport on 6 and 7 May.
The officers recovered around five kilos of a substance which, after initial testing, is suspected to be cocaine.
Officers arrested six men and two women, who were last night charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
The eight, due to appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court today [8 May], are:
- Paul Lockyer, 42, of Selworthy Road, Birkdale, Southport;
- James Neary, 56, of Grey Street, Bootle, Sefton;
- Paul McArdle, 33, of Buckfast Close, Netherton;
- Lee Nugent, 45, of Church Road, Waterloo, Liverpool;
- Stephen Lynch, 37, of Keene Court, Netherton, Liverpool;
- Christopher Horrocks, 45, of Buckley Hill Lane, Sefton, Liverpool;
- Julie McCafferty, 43, of Church Road, Waterloo, Liverpool;
- Michelle Higgins, 38, of Clocktower Drive, Liverpool.
Detective Chief Inspector Lynsay Armbruster, of the Organised Crime Partnership, said:
“This operation has ensured that suspected cocaine has been removed from the streets of Merseyside. Class A drugs cause significant harm to people and communities, and Merseyside Police and the NCA remain steadfast in preventing its supply.”
8 May 2025
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