A MAN from St Helens has been charged with drugs offences as part of a nationwide investigation.

Police searched addresses in St Helens and Bootle on Thursday, May 13 as part of Operation Venetic, which targets the use of encrypted mobile devices, known as 'EncroChat' and drug supply.

Liam Garvey, 27, of The Boulevard, Grange Park, has been charged with conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs and possession of class B drugs.

Meanwhile, Andrew Sweeney, 38, of Heatherleigh Close, Bootle, has been charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs and conspiracy to conceal/disguise/remove/transfer criminal property.

They were both remanded into custody to appear in court today, Friday, May 14.

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The charges form part of the Merseyside Police response to Operation Venetic.

After the arrests, a Merseyside Police spokesperson said: “These arrests comes as part of a national investigation into the use of encrypted mobile devices, commonly referred to as EncroChat, and drug supply across the UK.

“Those involved in the supply and distribution of dangerous drugs have no regard for the misery they cause and the lives they can affect, which is why proactive action, as has been taken today, is vital in disrupting criminal activity and putting individuals involved before the courts.

“An investigation is ongoing and we will continue to work closely with partner forces up and down the country, as well as North West Regional Organised Crime Unit and the National Crime Agency, to protect our communities and prevent harmful drugs from reaching our streets.

“We can’t do this without the help of the public and would urge anyone with information on the supply of drugs or individuals involved in serious and organised crime, to please get in touch, either directly through us or through Crimestoppers, completely anonymously.”