Arrests in drug raids in Merseyside
Twenty-one people suspected to be involved in the supply of class A drugs on Merseyside have been arrested in a series of dawn raids.
Officers searched 21 properties in Rock Ferry, Birkenhead, Bidston, Netherton and Aigburth.
Sixteen men and five women are being questioned on suspicion of drugs offences.
Police also seized drugs, believed to be heroin and cocaine, with an estimated street value of £15,500.
About £10,000 was recovered from a property in Birkenhead and £8,500 from a house in Netherton.
A CS gas canister and a set of knuckle-dusters were also seized during the raids.
Ch Supt John Martin, of Merseyside Police said the operation was "not just about locking people up".
"Although we are intent on arresting those who are responsible for making people's lives a misery, we are also working with partners to help decent, law-abiding people in communities who have suffered from the acquisitive crime that comes with drug supply."
The force will be working with other agencies, including Wirral Council and Wirral Drug and Alcohol Action Team, on rehabilitation programmes.
Ch Supt Martin urged anyone concerned about crime in their local community to contact police or Crimestoppers.