Kinder Surprise drugs haul found in Southport hotel raid

Two people have been arrested following suspected drug dealing outside a hotel in Southport, in what officers have described as a proactive operation targeting serious organised crime.

On Friday 17 April, officers on patrol in the Lord Street area noticed two individuals acting suspiciously and identified what they believed to be a drug transaction taking place. As officers approached, a woman ran inside a nearby hotel but was quickly detained.

A search of a room inside the hotel led to the discovery of a significant quantity of white powder, including 170 wraps of suspected cocaine hidden inside a yellow plastic Kinder Surprise container. Officers also seized a substantial amount of cash and a mobile phone from the room.

The second suspect was also searched, with officers finding a small bag containing a white substance.

A 52 year old man and a 49 year old woman, both from Southport, were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, believed to be cocaine. Both have since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Sefton Area Commander Karl Baldwin said officers acted on community intelligence to carry out the operation and warned that efforts to tackle serious and organised crime will continue. He highlighted the strong links between drug dealing and serious violence, including the use of weapons such as firearms and knives, and stressed the importance of ongoing enforcement activity across the area.

He also praised the role of the public in reporting concerns, stating that information from the community is vital in helping police take action against criminal activity.

Anyone with information about suspected drug dealing or criminal behaviour in their area is encouraged to contact Merseyside Police via social media, their website, or by calling 101. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always call 999.