The arrests were made during a coordinated operation that targeted addresses in West Derby, Wavertree, Orrell Park, Aintree, Knowsley, and Kensington. Thirteen males and three females were arrested on suspicion of various offences.
Detective Chief Inspector Steve Ball emphasised that this operation is part of Merseyside Police’s relentless pursuit of those involved in serious organised crime, including the use of guns and the supply and distribution of drugs. He stated that the police will never rest in their efforts to combat gun crime and that they have already made significant progress in reducing firearms discharges in the area.
Previous successes of this operation include the seizure of a Skorpion machine gun, £100,000 in cash, and significant quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, and cannabis. The discovery of the Skorpion machine gun led to a five-and-a-half-year prison sentence for the offender.
Det Ch Insp Ball highlighted the danger posed by Skorpion weapons, which can fire up to 800 rounds per minute. He stressed that there is no place for such weapons on the streets of Merseyside and that the police are committed to preventing their use.
Merseyside Police has seen a significant reduction in firearms discharges since April, with a 64% decrease compared to the previous year. In January, June, and September, there were zero discharges, and the overall number of discharges in Merseyside has more than halved since 2012.
The success of enforcement operations such as the recent warrants demonstrates the proactive approach of Merseyside Police in keeping the community safe. Det Ch Insp Ball urged the public to provide information that can help dismantle organised crime groups and emphasised the importance of community support in successful prosecutions.
Anyone with information about firearms or drug dealing is encouraged to contact Merseyside Police through social media or by calling 101. Alternatively, they can provide information anonymously through the Crimestoppers hotline at 0800 555 111.
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