A MAN and a woman have been charged with production of cannabis after police executed warrants as part of a region-wide operation targeting drug crime.

A total of 16 warrants were carried out at addresses including in St Helens.

Other warrants were executed at: Anfield, Everton, Kirkby, Formby, Ainsdale, Southport, Wirral and Burscough.

Seven arrests were made including three suspects from St Helens, a 28 year-old man; a 30-year-old woman and a 25-year-old man.

Police have charged Lee Pritchard, 28, from Waine Street, Blackbrook with possession of a controlled drug and production of cannabis. He has been conditionally bailed to appear at court in December.

Meanwhile, Sarah Goodier, 30, from Waine Street, Blackbrook was charged with possession of a controlled drug, production of cannabis and assault of an emergency worker. She has been conditionally bailed to appear at court in December.

And a 25-year-old man from St Helens was cautioned for possession of controlled drugs.