A pensioner was arrested driving while high on cocaine and with £2,500 in cash stashed in his car.
Merseyside Police stopped the 74-year-old man in Huyton in the early hours of today as part of an operation looking at so-called county lines drug dealing.
The pensioner, from North Wales, tested positive for the Class A drug after a stop check by Knowsley officers.
Officers confiscated the money under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
A 34-year-old from North Wales and 31-year-old from Cheshire, also in the vehicle, are under investigation in connection with cash seized.
A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: "Shortly after midnight officers stopped a vehicle travelling along the M57 near to Tarbock Island.
"Officers searching the vehicle recovered £2500 in cash which was later seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
"The 74 year old driver provided a positive sample for Cocaine at the roadside leading to his arrest.
"Two occupants inside the vehicle aged 31 and 34 years remain under investigation following the seizure of the cash."
County lines dealing refers to criminal gangs sending often vulnerable, young or easily manipulated members to areas where there is likely to be less competition for drugs turf.
Almost 50 children were saved from county lines gangs running drugs between Merseyside and the rest of the country in an operation last month.
Officers investigating county lines in May arrested 137 people from the region and shut down 61 lines in their battle against the illicit drug trade.
Working closely with Met Police, West Midlands and the British Transport Police, Merseyside Police also managed to seize weapons, drugs and cash during their five month operation.
The joint campaign to dismantle criminal groups was funded by the Home Office which pledged £25m in cash to help those areas worst affected by the gangs.
If you feel that you or someone you know is being targeted by drug dealers or you have any information which may help, please contact the police on 101 or 999. A
Anyone with information which could assist our investigation into County Lines criminality can DM @MerPol, call 101 or contact Crimestoppers line anonymously on 0800 555 111.
