Seven Everton fans were arrested after police raided two coaches that were headed for a Premier League clash against Cardiff tonight.
The officers boarded two supporters buses on Tuesday at around 2pm shortly before the fans had begun their journey to the Welsh capital.
A quantity of suspect cocaine and cannabis was found during the raids that involved Matrix Police, the dogs section and Road Policing Officers.
The driver of one of the coaches was arrested on suspicion of drug driving.
Two men were arrested on suspicion of possession of cocaine, while three other men were arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis and a youth was also reported for possession of criminal proper (cash) and possession of cannabis.
A second raid on Electric Avenue saw one man arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis, and eight wraps of white powder and 10 bags of suspected cannabis were seized following a search of the vehicle.
Meanwhile, a total of 15 coaches of alcohol were recovered.
Both coaches were permitted to continue their journeys to Wales following the arrests and seizures, as the remaining supporters headed for the match which Everton won 3-0.
They took place as part of a pre-planned operation after a string of incidents involving Toffees supporters during recent away matches.
On February 9th, four men from Liverpool were arrested after a fight broke out minutes after Everton’s defeat at Watford.
The incident left two men needing hospital treatment.
An Everton fan was slashed in the face before their FA Cup clash with Millwall in January.
There was also a large scale brawl in the street between the rival fans even though the Toffees supporters were being escorted to The Den by police.
Inspector Mark Keenan, from Matrix Operations , said: “The arrest of seven people this afternoon is the result of a lot of meticulous, hard work by our investigation teams.
“We are investigating the possibility that the consumption of excess alcohol and drugs on coaches have been contributory factors in recent incidents of disorder, and today’s activity is the direct result of that work.
“It has been supported by partners including Everton Football Club and the Driving Standards Agency, and its primary aim is to protect people of all ages who want to go to football matches to support their team free from the fear of violence and disorder, and to ensure law-abiding citizens including families are not exposed to the taking of illicit drugs.
“The overwhelming majority of fans conduct themselves with dignity and are a credit to the city, and the vast majority of bus operators are compliant with legislation put in place to guarantee the safety of all passengers.
“Their good name should not be tarnished by a minority who do not uphold the same standards of behaviour.”
Insp Keenan added: “Class A drugs blight the lives of the people who become addicted to them.”