Police seized £17,000 in cash and a banned drug that is causing increasing concern on Merseyside after the search of a car in Toxteth .
Officers moved in on the Toyota Yaris after spotting it on Embledon Street and suspecting its driver was in possession of drugs.
As well as the cash a quantity of the Class C drug - a stimulant more commonly used in parts of Africa and Asia - was found in the search that followed.
A 26-year-old man from Birmingham was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class C drugs and money laundering.
He was taken to a police station for questioning and has since been released under investigation.
that is said to act as a stimulant, with its effects similar to those of amphetamines according to drug advice organisation FRANK.
But its use can have serious side effects, including liver damage and making mental health problems more severe.
It was banned in 2014 and is now seen as a growing problem within Liverpool’s Somali community.
Studies on Merseyside have linked the use of Khat to relationship breakdowns, financial pressure and concerns about physical and mental health problems.
Last year Mersey Care launched a programme to help highlight the health and legal implications of using it.
Led in partnership with Sanctuary Family Support and Liverpool Somali Community it was supported by Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Jane Kennedy.
*More information on the help available can be found on the Mersey Care website and via Frank .
**Anyone with information on suspected drug dealing is asked to contact Merseyside Police by calling 101, via Twitter (@MerPolCC). You can also call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
