Police investigating international links to crystal meth finds on Merseyside

Feb 6 2013 by Daniel Johnson, Liverpool Echo

POLICE are investigating international links to two crystal meth finds on Merseyside in recent months.

The force issued a warning about the “devastating impact” Methamphetamine has had abroad and said they were acting proactively to stop the lethal drug becoming available on Liverpool’s streets.

Officers uncovered one kilo of the drug in Walton last week and found 700g in Wallasey last November.

A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class-A drugs in connection with the discovery in Walton.

Detective Superintendent Chris Green told the ECHO: “We are working with international authorities to try and locate the source of this find.

”This is a dangerous drug which can have devastating consequences for people’s health and is potentially life-threatening.

“It is a powerful stimulant and it’s highly addictive. There are severe adverse effects and it can be fatal.

“Our investigation is focused on finding who is involved in the illegal supply of this drug and taking both them, and the drugs they are peddling, out of circulation.”

Merseyside Police do not believe the Class-A drug is being produced here but have seen a recent rise in imports.

Experts said that outside of small pockets in London, Methamphetamine has yet to take off in the rest of the UK.

Professor Harry Sumnall, professor in substance abuse at Liverpool John Moores, said: “These kinds of police finds, it has to be said, are very rare in this country.