An organized criminal group took a vacation in Turkey before being apprehended and sentenced to over 100 years in prison.
The group’s leader, known as “Boss Man” Joshua Hayes, was the main target of a police operation that involved surveillance of his Mercedes vehicle. Hayes and his associates in the drug trafficking network used Skorpion submachine guns concealed within the walls of an apartment, even hiring a plasterer to ensure the weapons remained hidden.
Police initiated the crackdown by raiding two flats in Litherland in search of firearms. Although no firearms were initially found, further investigation based on information gathered from Hayes’ car led to the discovery of hidden firearms in a location associated with one of the suspects, Michael Caldwell.
During court proceedings, it was revealed that Hayes orchestrated a significant drug distribution operation, supplying class A drugs to numerous customers. The investigation unveiled details of his drug trade activities, including discussions about the value of his phone used for drug transactions estimated at around £200,000.
The gang was estimated to have distributed approximately 9kg of cocaine between January and July, with a potential street value ranging from £360,000 to £900,000. Additionally, various individuals within the group were implicated in different criminal activities, including drug trafficking, possession of firearms, and money laundering.
Prosecutors detailed the involvement of multiple defendants in the criminal enterprise, with each facing charges related to drug supply, possession of firearms, and conspiracy to conceal criminal proceeds. The court handed down varying sentences to the individuals involved, ranging from several years to over two decades in prison.
Following the court proceedings, Detective Chief Inspector Tony Roberts of Merseyside Police emphasized the impact of dismantling such criminal operations on community safety. He praised the efforts of law enforcement officers in apprehending the offenders and highlighted the importance of public cooperation in combating organized crime groups.
The successful prosecution resulted in the imprisonment of twelve individuals involved in the criminal network, demonstrating the commitment of law enforcement to protect communities and eradicate illicit activities. Merseyside Police encouraged the public to report any information related to organized crime activities to further enhance community safety and security.
