Tuesday 26 February 2019 17:42, UK
Merseyside Police have arrested six men and seized cocaine, cannabis and alcohol from two coaches carrying Everton fans to Cardiff on Tuesday.
Officers attended Bowring Park Road and Electric Avenue in Merseyside, where they boarded two coaches due to take Everton fans to Cardiff ahead of their Premier League fixture on Tuesday evening.
Officers including the Dog Section and Roads Policing, assisted by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), searched the buses and as a result a quantity of suspected cocaine and cannabis was recovered, and six men arrested.
The driver was arrested on suspicion of drug driving, two men were arrested on suspicion of possession of cocaine and a juvenile will be reported for possession of criminal property (cash) and possession of cannabis.
Both coaches were able to continue their journeys to Cardiff following the arrests and seizures.
Inspector Mark Keenan, from Matrix Operations, said: "The arrest of six people this afternoon is the result of a lot of meticulous, hard work by our investigation teams.
"We are investigating the possibility that the consumption of excess alcohol and drugs on coaches have been contributory factors in recent incidents of disorder, and today's activity is the direct result of that work.
"It has been supported by partners including Everton Football Club and the DSA, and its primary aim is to protect people of all ages who want to go to football matches to support their team free from the fear of violence and disorder, and to ensure law-abiding citizens including families are not exposed to the taking of illicit drugs.
"The overwhelming majority of fans conduct themselves with dignity and are a credit to the city, and the vast majority of bus operators are compliant with legislation put in place to guarantee the safety of all passengers. Their good name should not be tarnished by a minority who do not uphold the same standards of behaviour."
Anyone with information about drug dealing is asked to contact Merseyside Police's social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC. You can also call 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form.
Four people were also arrested after an altercation outside Watford's stadium, following their game against Everton earlier this month, left two men needing hospital treatment.
