Guns and drugs seized as West Midlands Police major crime unit uncover organised crime gangs

Police in Birmingham and the Black Country have seized drugs and guns from properties across the region in recent months, they have revealed.

“More guns, drugs and suspected serious and organised criminals have been taken off the streets of the West Midlands by our dedicated Major Crime Unit Proactive Teams (MCUPT),” a statement from West Midlands Police read.

Officers made the discoveries working under Operation Target, a co-ordinated response to the most serious threats to communities from those involved in firearms, drugs, money laundering and exploitation of young and vulnerable people.

In July, the crime unit arrested a man outside an address in Balsall Heath in a pre-planned operation.

As officers moved in, he fled, discarding 100 wraps of heroin and cocaine, as well as a Rambo knife and mobile phones.

Further searches of the address uncovered 900 wraps of class A drugs and paraphernalia, with a total value of £20,000.

WMP

“The suspect has now been charged with possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine, and possession of a knife,” officers confirmed.

On 6 August, officers raided a home on Allens Road, Soho, Birmingham, after receiving information that a firearm was being stored there.

“A gun, capable of automatic fire and loaded with seven bullets, was found in a bag hanging from a garden fence. Two men have now been charged and remanded in custody.”

And two days later, a man was arrested after allegedly threatening a relative with a gun outside a pub in Brierley Hill.

The 64-year-old suspect was held a short distance away, and further searches uncovered two stun guns and imitation firearms. He has also been remanded in custody ahead of trial.

The MCUPT also arrested 11 suspects after manhunts, where a range of tactics are used to bring suspects into custody. They were wanted for offences including murder and gun crime.

WMP

And nine suspected child sexual predators were also held, with five already charged with offences such as publishing obscene articles and arranging and facilitating child sex offences.

Det Insp Bryn Robins, from MCUPT, said: “We’re committed to taking the most dangerous criminals off the streets, and the guns, drugs and cash that are often associated with them.

“But we can’t do it without your help. Our work depends on intelligence, and that often comes from the community.

“If you know of people in your community with access to guns, who sell drugs, or who exploit the vulnerable, let us know so we can take decisive action.”