NINETEEN people, including a Halton man, were arrested this week following the culmination of a two-year investigation by Merseyside Police.

Two hundred officers took part in the early morning swoop as part of Operation Black, in connection with drug-related offences and other matters.

Among the items seized were five luxury cars, mobile phones, a stolen motorcycle, passports, cigarettes and a small amount of controlled drugs.

Police allege the vehicles were all the proceeds of crime.

Mike Semple, senior investigating officer at the major crime unit, said:"Operation Black is part of our commitment to combat the activities of organised criminals, particularly those engaged in the illicit drugs - thus contributing to our goal to create a safer Merseyside."

TEN men appeared before Liverpool magistrates on Monday charged with conspiracy.

Among the defendants are three members of the same Liverpool family as well as three men from Scotland and another from Manchester.

They were among 19 people detained on Friday by the Merseyside police major crime unit after a two-year inquiry into the alleged dealing of drugs, codenamed Operation Black.

The accused include Peter Joseph Smith, 25, of Elmore Close, Runcorn; Jason Fitzgibbon, 27, of Prescot; Ian Fitzgibbon, 25, of Prescot; Paul Fitzgibbon, 22, of Allerton; David Annerley, 25, of Wavertree; John Lynn, 31, of Clydeside; Gavin McLaughlin, 31, of Airdrie; Craig Hamilton, 33, of Lanarkshire; Paul Hanks, 31, of Oldham; Ali Sali Mahmut, 48, of no fixed abode.

Nine other people arrested in connection with the operation were either dealt with for unassociated matters or granted police bail.

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