Mass Arrests in Merseyside Crackdown on Organised Crime
Merseyside Police have arrested 16 suspects — 13 men and 3 women — across West Derby, Wavertree, Orrell Park, Aintree, Knowsley, and Kensington. The coordinated raids targeted serious offences linked to guns and drug dealing.
Relentless War on Gun Crime
Detective Chief Inspector Steve Ball said the operation is part of Merseyside Police’s ongoing fight against organised crime. “We will never rest in tackling gun crime,” he said. The force has already slashed firearms discharges by 64% since April, with zero incidents reported in January, June, and September.
Skorpion Machine Gun Seized – Prison Sentences Followed
The crackdown has previously netted a Skorpion machine gun, £100,000 in cash, and large amounts of cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, and cannabis. The discovery of the Skorpion led to a 5½-year prison sentence for the culprit. Det Ch Insp Ball warned of the obvious danger posed by Skorpion guns, which can fire up to 800 rounds a minute. “There’s no place for these weapons on Merseyside streets,” he said.
How You Can Help
Neighbourhood safety depends on public tips. Det Ch Insp Ball urged anyone with info on firearms or drug dealing to come forward. You can contact Merseyside Police via social media or call 101. To remain anonymous, ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
