Police find large drug haul after stopping van on motorway

Police stopped a van on the M62 near Rainhill and discovered a large haul of suspected illegal drugs, including thousands of MDMA tablets and several kilograms of MDMA powder. A 41-year-old man was arrested and faces multiple charges, including possession with intent to supply.

Merseyside Police conducted a traffic stop on a van traveling along the M62 motorway at Junction 7, near Rainhill, around 19:20 BST on Tuesday. The stop, initially intended as a routine documentation check, led to the discovery of a substantial quantity of suspected illegal drugs.

Details of the Seized Substances

Authorities reported that the van was carrying:

• Thousands of suspected MDMA tablets
• Several kilograms of MDMA powder

The confiscated substances are currently undergoing forensic testing to verify their composition and precise amounts.

Arrest and Charges

A 41-year-old man from Crosby, Merseyside, was arrested at the scene. He faces multiple charges, including:

• Possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply
• Driving while disqualified

Merseyside Police continue to investigate the incident to determine the full scope of the operation and whether any additional individuals were involved.

Public Guidance and Reporting

The police have urged the public to remain alert and to report any suspicious activity. Tips can be submitted via WhatsApp to 0808 100 2230. For updates, the public can follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or listen to BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds.

Ongoing Related Investigations

In a separate but related incident, authorities recently arrested a man following a shooting in which a teenage girl sustained injuries. Both cases are under careful investigation by the police.

Sources:

• BBC News
• Liverpool Echo
• The Guardian
• Motorway van stop leads police to large drug haul