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Arrests in 'rogue security' raids Arrests in 'rogue security' raids
(about 1 hour later)
Police in Merseyside seized drugs, thousands of pounds in cash and 50 cars in a series of raids on suspected rogue security firms and drug dealers.Police in Merseyside seized drugs, thousands of pounds in cash and 50 cars in a series of raids on suspected rogue security firms and drug dealers.
Officers arrested 28 people and charged seven on suspicion of a number of drugs, firearms and theft offences, and issued 43 summonses on Thursday night.Officers arrested 28 people and charged seven on suspicion of a number of drugs, firearms and theft offences, and issued 43 summonses on Thursday night.
Officers also visited building sites to check security firms were legitimate.Officers also visited building sites to check security firms were legitimate.
Ch Insp Andy Cooke said the raids signalled the force's strong commitment to tackling organised crime. Ch Supt Andy Cooke said the raids signalled the force's strong commitment to tackling organised crime.
Regeneration 'exploited'Regeneration 'exploited'
Mr Cooke said: "At this moment in time Liverpool is continuing to benefit from the wealth of investment into the area and Merseyside Police cannot stand by and watch rogue security firms benefit financially from the city's regeneration.Mr Cooke said: "At this moment in time Liverpool is continuing to benefit from the wealth of investment into the area and Merseyside Police cannot stand by and watch rogue security firms benefit financially from the city's regeneration.
"Merseyside Police is not prepared to watch those involved in organised crime exploit the opportunities which should be reserved for genuine businesses which have something to contribute to the regeneration of the region.""Merseyside Police is not prepared to watch those involved in organised crime exploit the opportunities which should be reserved for genuine businesses which have something to contribute to the regeneration of the region."
Officers from the Security Industry Authority (SIA), the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and Immigration assisted in the operation.Officers from the Security Industry Authority (SIA), the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and Immigration assisted in the operation.
Merseyside Police said on Friday: "The arrests relate to charges ranging from drugs and firearms offences and those concerning the handling of stolen goods.Merseyside Police said on Friday: "The arrests relate to charges ranging from drugs and firearms offences and those concerning the handling of stolen goods.
"During the raids £16,000 and half a kilo of controlled substances and also 50 cars have been seized.""During the raids £16,000 and half a kilo of controlled substances and also 50 cars have been seized."