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LIVERPOOL, June 19, 2025 – Authorities have made several arrests following an investigation into a firearms and drug trafficking operation. The investigation, spanning from January 2023 to June 2025, targeted an organized crime group operating in North Liverpool.
Skorpion Sub-Machine Gun Linked to Murders
Five individuals have been apprehended in connection with the posession and supply of firearms,ammunition,and controlled substances.
- A Skorpion sub-machine gun,capable of firing 900 rounds per minute,was seized.
- Drugs, including ketamine and cannabis, were recovered.
- Over £86,000 in cash was also found.
The Skorpion sub-machine gun, notorious for its rapid-fire capability, played a role in three murders in 2022. The investigation has led to the seizure of firearms, drugs, and a substantial amount of cash. The recent arrests are the culmination of a long-term probe into criminal activities in the North Liverpool area.
(Image: Merseyside Police )
Details of the Investigation
The investigation, which commenced in January 2023, concluded in June 2025, targeting an organized crime group. Detectives seized a Skorpion sub-machine pistol, two self-loading pistols, ammunition, and firearm components. In addition, they found 2kg of ketamine, 45kg of cannabis, and over £86,000 in cash.
The Skorpion sub-machine gun,made in the Czech Republic,is known for its rapid-fire capabilities,able to discharge 900 rounds per minute. This weapon was used in the murders of Sam Rimmer, ashley Dale, and Elle Edwards in Dingle, Old Swan, and Wallasey, respectively, in 2022.
Key Fact: The Skorpion sub-machine gun can fire up to 900 rounds per minute, making it an extremely dangerous weapon.
Arrests and Charges
On Thursday, June 19, raids were carried out, leading to the arrest of five individuals. A 24-year-old man from Liverpool was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to possess firearms and conspiracy to supply Class A controlled drugs (cocaine) and Class B controlled drugs (cannabis and ketamine).
Another 24-year-old man from Liverpool was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to possess firearms and ammunition and possession with intent to supply Class B controlled drugs (ketamine). A 29-year-old man from Liverpool was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class B drugs (cannabis). A 49-year-old woman from Liverpool was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class B controlled drugs (cannabis & ketamine), and a 34-year-old man from Liverpool was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class B controlled drugs (Cannabis).
The Skorpion sub-machine gun found by Merseyside Police
(Image: Merseyside Police )
In addition, the police seized £5,000 in cash and a quantity of suspected Class A drugs. The suspects are currently in custody and will be questioned by detectives.
drug Classifications:
Class A drugs include cocaine.
Class B drugs include cannabis and ketamine.
The drugs found by Merseyside Police
(Image: Merseyside Police )
Detective Inspector Chris Carlin stated that the arrests are the culmination of years of investigative work. “Innocent lives have been torn apart by gang culture, but we continue to work on a daily basis to rid our communities of the scourge of organized crime groups, bring offenders to justice and remove dangerous weapons and illicit drugs from the streets of Merseyside.”
The recent seizures of firearms, drugs, and cash, culminating in the arrests of five individuals, offer a glimpse into the pervasive grip of organized crime on liverpool. But beyond the headlines of arrests and seized contraband lies a deeper story: the human cost of gun violence and drug trafficking. While the takedown of this specific operation is undoubtedly a victory for law enforcement, the lasting impact of the violence associated with the Skorpion sub-machine gun serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that remain.
The weapon’s connection to the murders of Sam Rimmer, Ashley Dale, and Elle Edwards underscores the devastating consequences of its presence on the streets. These were not simply statistics. They were individuals with families, friends, and futures ripped away by the indiscriminate violence of gang culture. The use of a weapon designed for rapid and lethal force,capable of firing up to 900 rounds per minute,highlights the ruthless efficiency of the criminals and the grave danger they pose to the community. The fear and trauma inflicted on the victims’ families and within the communities where these acts occurred are profound,the ripples of which will likely be felt for years to come.
Beyond the Arrests: Addressing Root Causes
While removing weapons and apprehending those involved in trafficking are crucial steps,the long-term solution demands a more extensive approach. The success of future interventions to combat crime is contingent upon a sustained focus on addressing root causes, such as poverty, lack of opportunity, and social inequality, conditions from which crime festers. Effective strategies include increasing access to education, providing job training, and supporting programs that offer alternatives to gang involvement for vulnerable youth.
Furthermore, strong community partnerships are vital. Law enforcement must collaborate with grassroots organizations, community leaders, and local residents to build trust, gather intelligence, and provide support to those affected by crime. This includes providing mental health services and safe spaces where people can be helped in a safe an nurturing habitat. The willingness to engage in active listening is invaluable to understanding what the communities need most in order to be safe and thrive.
Ongoing Challenges and the Path forward
The Merseyside Police,in their inquiry,have demonstrated a commitment to removing dangerous weapons and illicit drugs. The seized cash, drugs, and especially the Skorpion, represent only a fraction of the arsenal used to fuel the illegal drug trade and the escalating levels of violence in Liverpool and the surrounding areas. The recent arrests represent a meaningful success, but the fight is far from over. The illicit drug trade and the illegal possession of firearms are frequently enough linked to international organized crime networks, making the problem complex and dynamic.
The need for continuous vigilance and proactive measures is critical. This also includes adopting new technologies to assist in investigations,and continuing to share details effectively with partner agencies. It’s crucial to consider ways to improve relations between police and the community so that information is shared openly. The relentless pursuit of criminals, combined with a strategic investment in community support and preemptive measures, offers the best hope for a safer future for Liverpool and its residents.
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