Merseyside Police Chief Warns BBC Drama Glamourises Drug Crime

Two Rolex watches and half a kilo of cocaine were seized during early morning raids across Merseyside as police targeted serious and organised crime.

The operation involved over 220 officers searching 23 properties in Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, Wirral, and Knowsley. The coordinated strikes formed part of Merseyside Police’s Operation Vanguard.

Commentary from the region’s chief constable regarding a television drama set locally followed the enforcement activity. Merseyside Police Chief Constable Rob Carden told BBC News that the BBC One series This City Is Ours glamourises the illegal drugs trade and demonstrates that crime can be profitable.

“It’s a fantastic series, but it does highlight some truth about the challenges with certain organised crime,” Carden told BBC News. “It glamourises drugs, it shows that drugs can be profitable.”

The chief constable acknowledged that the programme also depicts the negative outcomes associated with the trade. “It shows the violence and misery,” he said. “It does demonstrate that as it would do in any city.”

Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram expressed reservations about the broadcast on Wednesday. He said that the television programme did not represent the image of Liverpool he wished to see portrayed. Rotheram indicated a preference for dramas set in the city to concentrate on the warmth of the local population rather than drugs, organised crime, and criminal activity.

Carden emphasised that local criminal networks demand continuous adaptation from law enforcement agencies. “The reality is that we have particularly innovative and creative criminals in Merseyside, and it’s important that we keep pace with them and make sure that we’re being as proactive as possible,” he said.

The police force remains committed to addressing offences across the region, according to Carden. “Whether you are dealing drugs, carrying or storing weapons, exploiting vulnerable people, or committing acts of violence and abuse, you should know that we will continue to pursue you,” he said. “Today’s activity demonstrates our commitment to keeping Merseyside safe.”

The raids resulted in the recovery of £24,000 in cash, the two Rolex watches, and the half-kilo quantity of cocaine. Thursday’s operation saw 26 arrests.