Not all those arrested are Big Issue vendors

A total of 54 people - not all of whom sell the magazine - have been arrested in the crackdown by Merseyside Police.

Thirty four of them have now been charged and 20 released pending further inquiries.

The Big Issue said it had no way of knowing if those arrested were genuine vendors because the police had refused to give them any information, and accused the force of carrying out a publicity stunt.

Detectives say they have recovered Class A drugs, a replica gun, a sword and a number of knives during the operation, which has been going on for 15 months.

It appears to be a headline-grabbing stunt The Big Issue

Superintendent Alan Cooper from Merseyside Police said: "We were investigating claims by the city centre business community that aggressive beggars and other people who frequented the city were actively involved in the sale and supply of heroin and crack cocaine."

The Big Issue's policy on begging is that if any of its vendors ask for money they may be stopped from selling the magazine.

They are also banned from selling drugs and alcohol.

The magazine gives a commitment that information on anyone caught dealing will be passed onto the police.

A spokeswoman for the Big Issue said: "We have been given no details of the individuals who have been arrested.

'Targeting the vulnerable'

"We have no means of establishing whether any of them are legitimate vendors, ex-vendors or rogue vendors who use the magazine illegally as a front for begging or other activities.

"The operation seems to be a tough response to a serious problem, but we would question whether this is targeting an easy and vulnerable group - homeless people and people suffering from drug addictions.

"On the basis of what we have been told, it appears to be a headline-grabbing stunt rather than a long-term solution to the problems in the city centre."

The spokeswoman also pointed out that vendors are often victims of crime, as the level of assaults on homeless people is much greater for rough sleepers.

Police patrols were stepped up following the arrests

Merseyside Police said they applauded the work the Big Issue tries to do with the homeless, but added they could not turn a blind eye to dealing.

"We do not have a problem with what they are trying to do," a spokeswoman said.

"What we do have a problem is with unscrupulous people who betray their trust."

Mr Cooper said the police wanted to help the people they had arrested.

For example, doctors were brought into police stations to help with health information after the arrests.

Mr Cooper added: "This action is not just about enforcement.

"Our officers will be working alongside the Drug Alcohol Action Team to ensure they receive the required treatment and medical advice.

"Tackling the problem of drugs requires a broad approach. By co-ordinating our efforts, firm enforcement can be balanced with effective education, prevention and treatment programmes."