Two arrested in connection with cannabis cafe in Kensington following warrant

We have arrested two men and dealt with multiple people for drug related offences following a Misuse of Drugs Act warrant at a premises suspected to be functioning as a cannabis café in Kensington on Saturday night, 30 March.

Community Policing officers carried out a search warrant at a premises in Holt Road and located more than 40 people present with a quantity of cannabis being used and stored in a variety of forms.

Around 30 people were issued with cannabis street cautions, penalty notices or interviewed at the scene.

A 20-year-old man from Walton was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply cannabis and 'Permit the use of premises for the supply of a controlled Class B drug'. He has been released under investigation.

A 49-year-old man from West Derby was subsequently arrested today for the same offences following enquiries. He has been taken to a police station for questioning.

The premises have been re-secured and all furnishings removed. Should any persons try to enter they will be dealt with appropriately.

Community Policing Sergeant Hamilton said: "Cannabis is a controlled drug. Possession or the supply of cannabis and permitting the use of premises to smoke cannabis is illegal.

"This property has been subject of concern from law-abiding members of the community. False information exists about these types of locations, but I want to make it very clear that there is nowhere you are able to smoke cannabis legally in Merseyside.

"Merseyside Police is committed to supporting our communities and will continue to positively and pro-actively deal with people who flout the law, in order to protect those who are affected by related anti-social behaviour or crime.

"While the recreational use of cannabis may seem acceptable to some, evidence shows that those involved in the supply of cannabis are usually involved in serious and organised crime or other criminality which affects the streets of Merseyside.

"Cannabis is an extremely damaging drug and with the help of our communities we will continue to tackle those offending."

Anyone with information on suspected cannabis supply and use in their area is asked to contact the social media desk @MerPolCC, call 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111. You can also use their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.