Liverpool Drug Trio Jailed for 33 Years Over Massive National Class A and B Supply
Three Liverpool men have been slammed with a combined 33-year prison sentence for flooding the UK with huge quantities of Class A and B drugs. Police cracked the case after years of relentless investigation by Operation Sombrero, exposing an organised crime gang moving 100 kg of Class A drugs and over 30 kg of Class B across the country.
Record-Busting Drug Hauls Seized in Major Crackdown
Thanks to a top-secret Encrochat inquiry, officers dismantled a nationwide Class A drug ring pushing cocaine, heroin, and amphetamine. In a furious three-month blitz, police seized a staggering 84 kg of heroin — the largest haul Merseyside Police have scored in recent memory — along with 22 kg of amphetamine, 500 g of cocaine, and 16 kg combined quantities of heroin and cocaine, plus 6 kg of Class B drugs.
Guilty Pleas Lead to Lengthy Sentences at Liverpool Crown Court
The offending trio faced justice at Liverpool Crown Court on 9 December after pleading guilty to multiple drug offences:
- John McTigue, 41, from Toxteth, locked up for 14 years 8 months for conspiracy to supply heroin, crack cocaine and amphetamine. Nicknamed ‘Johnny Cash’ for his love of criminal cash, he was caught in February carrying a £3-5 million street value of 84 kg heroin.
- Leroy Kassim, 50, from Liverpool’s Hornby Road, jailed for 10 years 8 months for conspiracy to supply heroin. He was a close associate of McTigue.
- Terence Shields, 37, of Britannia Crescent, Liverpool, sentenced to 7 years 8 months for conspiracy to supply cocaine and amphetamine, plus dangerous driving. He was also banned from driving for nearly five years after trying to bolt from police with 22 kg amphetamine and 500 g cocaine in his car.
Police Praise Community Support and Call for More Tips
“This was a huge operation which saw vast quantities of Class A and B drugs produced and distributed across the whole of the country on an industrial scale,” said Detective Inspector Louise Hooley.
“Those jailed took part in the business for big financial gain and were fully aware of the scale. Drug dealing wrecks communities, and we’re committed to smashing these organised gangs and getting them off our streets. These sentences show how seriously the courts view this kind of crime.”
“We urge anyone with information on criminal activity to come forward – it helps us take action and keep Merseyside safe.”
If you have info about drug supply or weapons in your area, contact Merseyside Police at @MerPolCC or call 101. You can also report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
