Three people have been arrested and suspected Class A and B drugs, with an estimated street value of at least £80,000, have been seized as part of a joint operation between the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and Merseyside Police.

The arrests followed the interception of suspected Class A and Class B drugs by UK Border Force. Subsequent enquiries led to a coordinated search and arrest operation by police in L'Derry and Liverpool yesterday, Tuesday, 25 March.

In L'Derry, officers from the District Support Team arrested a 26-year-old woman on suspicion of attempted possession of a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply, attempted possession of a Class A controlled drug with intent to supply, possession of a Class B controlled drug, attempted possession of a Class B controlled drug, and attempted possession of a Class A controlled drug. A 25-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class A controlled drug. Both individuals have since been released on bail pending further police enquiries. Drug-related paraphernalia was also seized during the operation.

Meanwhile, in Liverpool, a 44-year-old man was arrested by Merseyside Police on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a controlled drug Class A, possession with intent to supply a controlled drug Class B, importing a Class B drug with intent to evade a prohibition/restriction, producing a controlled drug Class B, and abstracting/using electricity without authority. He has been released under investigation pending further enquiries. Following a search of a property in Liverpool, 45 cannabis plants were discovered, along with a large quantity of suspected Class A drugs.

Enquiries into the drug trafficking operation are ongoing. Derry City & Strabane Chief Inspector Cathal Pearce emphasised the commitment of law enforcement to tackling drug-related crime. "Working with partners, we are doing everything in our collective power to tackle the supply, use and harm caused by illegal drugs. We will continue to do this through Operation Dealbreaker, and with the support of partner organisations, to disrupt and prevent those involved in drug-related activity and who bring nothing but harm to the most vulnerable within our communities."

Chief Inspector Pearce also appealed to the public for information: "We’re grateful for the support of local people, and I’m keen to reiterate our appeal for anyone with information, or concerns, to get in touch on 101 or submit a report online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport."

Merseyside Police Chief Inspector Steve Robinson highlighted the importance of inter-force collaboration in combating organised crime. "Following a seizure of a package containing drugs by the Border Force our officers carried out further enquiries which led to a warrant being executed at a property in Liverpool and a 44-year-old man being arrested for Class and B drugs offences and quantities of drugs being seized. Organised crime is hugely damaging to our communities, often involving intimidation, violence and creating fear. Those involved pay no notice to borders so it is vital we share intelligence and resources and work with our colleagues in other police forces, including PSNI, in order to gather intelligence and make arrests."

Anyone with information can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.