Four people sentenced after Liverpool OCG targeted in police operation

Four people have been sentenced to a total of nearly 20 years in person following a covert Merseyside Police operation targeting an Organised Crime Group (OCG) operating primarily in North Liverpool.

The investigation, which took place between January 2023 and June 2025, focused on the criminal possession and supply of firearms, ammunition, and controlled drugs.

Across the operation, officers recovered:

• 2.046 kg ketamine (with a street value of between £37,850–£75,700)
• 45.695 kg cannabis (with a street value of between £198,470–£472,385)
• Two self‑loading pistols
• One Skorpion sub‑machine gun
• Ammunition and firearm components
• Over £86,300 in cash

Above: Guns, drugs and cash seized during the investigation

The investigation uncovered how Taylor McArthur, 25, of Regent Road, Liverpool, (below) acted as a central organiser, using encrypted communications under the handle ‘Billy the Kid’ to coordinate drug supply, cash movement, and ammunition procurement.

He pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm, conspiracy to supply Class A controlled drugs (cocaine) and conspiracy to supply Class B controlled drugs (cannabis).

Yesterday, Tuesday 10 February, he was sentenced to a total of 10 years 10 months in prison.

Thomas Mee, 30, of Dovecot Avenue, Liverpool, (above) stored and dealt cannabis on McArthur’s behalf. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cannabis and was sentenced to three years in prison.

Kerry Grice, 49, of Archer Close, Liverpool, (above), allowed her home to be used as a safe house for drugs and cash. Messages on her seized phone showed she helped manage McArthur’s drug supply.

She pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cannabis and conspiracy to supply ketamine and was sentenced to three years nine months in prison.

Bradley Roberts, 25, of St Andrews Close, Liverpool, (above), rented a storage container used to conceal firearms and ketamine. He pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply ketamine and was sentenced to 27 months.

Detective Sergeant Craig Mitchell said: “We know that innocent lives are being destroyed by gang culture but we continue to work on a daily basis to rid our communities of the scourge of organised crime groups, bringing offenders to justice and removing dangerous weapons and illicit drugs from the streets of Merseyside.

“These sentences are the result of months and years of hard work by the investigative team targeting an OCG that was causing misery in the north Liverpool area.

“Thankfully their activity has been stopped and the drugs and weapons they peddled removed from our streets so they can’t cause further harm.

“We rely on the public to be our eyes and ears and would encourage people to come forward if they know where weapons are being stored or who is supplying drugs in their area as that information can make a real difference in disrupting and deterring these gangs and reclaiming and rebuilding communities on behalf of the law-abiding people who live there.”

To report a crime to Crimestoppers go to: Give information 100% anonymously about organised crime in Merseyside | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org).

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or Merseyside Police on 101.