TWO more suspects have been charged in connection with alleged modern slavery and drugs offences in Newton-le-Willows.

Detectives from Merseyside Police's specialist County Lines unit, Project Medusa, have charged two men as part of their ongoing investigation.

Keane Mulligan, 18, of Vincent Street, St Helens, and James Byott, 30, of Heriot Street, Vauxhall, Liverpool, have both been charged with two counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin) and six offences under the Modern Slavery Act - arranging or facilitating the travel of another with a view to exploitation.

Byott appeared at Liverpool, Knowsley and St Helens Magistrates' Court and Mulligan at Wirral Magistrates' Court today, Friday, April 26.

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Earlier this month, as the Star reported, Graham McEvoy, 19, of Market Street and Lewis Davies, 19, of Clarence Street, both Newton-le-Willows, were also charged with two counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin) and six offences under the Modern Slavery Act - arranging or facilitating the travel of another with a view to exploitation and remanded into custody as part of the same investigation.

Operation Toxic is part of Project Medusa – a Merseyside-led initiative set up to tackle County Lines drug dealing and child criminal exploitation across the country.

  • If you have any information about suspected County Lines activity in your area DM @MerPolCC or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always call 999.