Ex-Everton star facing drug charges

A former soccer star today appeared in court charged with drug offences involving crack cocaine.

Former Everton midfielder Mark Ward was arrested by drugs squad officers following a raid on a house in Prescot, Merseyside, on Thursday.

Detectives discovered cocaine and crack cocaine at the property.

The 42-year-old was taken to a police station where he was quizzed by police throughout Thursday.

He was charged with multiple drugs offences on Friday afternoon.

He appeared before St Helens Magistrates Court today to face charges of possession with intent to supply cocaine, possession with intent to supply crack cocaine, and being concerned in the production of crack cocaine.

A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said police executed a search warrant at the property under the Misuse of Drugs Act on Thursday morning.

Several kilograms of Class A drugs were discovered together with a variety of drugs paraphernalia.

The police spokeswoman added: “Mark Ward, of McVinnie Road, Prescot, has been charged with three drug offences.

“He appeared before St Helens Magistrates this morning and is due to appear before Knowsley Magistrates on May 19.”