Table of Contents
A New Brighton man has been jailed for 11 years and eight months in prison. Police discovered firearms and a huge drug stash in searches, as reported by Birkenhead News.
Ronnie Beardmore, 22, of Waterloo Road, New Brighton, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court after pleading guilty to firearms and drug offences.
Officers searched two Wirral properties and a storage locker. In their searches, they recovered a shotgun, a converted blank firer and ammunition. They also recovered 48g of heroin, 28g of crack cocaine, 430g of cocaine, 372g of cannabis resin and 647g of cannabis. These have a combined street value of nearly £50,000.
Beardmore was charged with possession of a firearm, possession of a shortened shotgun, possession of prohibited ammunition, two counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs (cocaine and heroin) and possession with intent to supply a controlled Class B drug (cannabis).
Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson said in a statement: "I hope this sentencing makes it absolutely clear that anyone who plays a part in firearms will be brought before the courts, whatever their role may have been."
She continued, "This result shows that Merseyside Police will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of those involved in criminality and think they are above the law. We will continue to target criminals like Beardmore by thoroughly examining any evidence we find."
Ms. Wilson also encouraged the public to come forward if they know anything about the use of firearms and weapons across Merseyside. People can contact the police directly, or anonymously via Crimestoppers. She concluded by saying that any information given to the police could help criminals be apprehended and make communities across Merseyside "safer places to live, work and visit".
Last month, Merseyside Police officers carried out Operation Vanguard, a targeted operation where officers executed 45 warrants and made 65 arrests related to housing drugs, weapons, and cash. Two Wirral men were arrested in connection with the operation, although Beardmore's arrest is not thought to be connected to it.
