Avon and Somerset Police have charged four young men in connection with the importation of prohibited weapons into the UK, as part of a wider national operation targeting online knife sales.
The initiative, coordinated by the National Knife Crime Centre (NKCC), has resulted in the seizure of over 500 prohibited or dangerous weapons across the country. Operation Obex was launched after the NKCC identified a European retailer selling both legal and banned knives to customers in the UK.
Following contact by the NKCC and assistance from Europol, the retailer voluntarily ceased all knife sales to the UK market. Analysis of sales data by the NKCC identified more than 300 purchasers of these weapons, some believed to be reselling them through unregulated markets. Those found to have bought multiple prohibited weapons were referred to local police forces for potential action.
Recent enforcement efforts nationwide have resulted in multiple arrests and weapons seizures, including:
- Metropolitan Police Service making nine arrests and recovering 16 weapons such as zombie-style machetes, lock knives, a shotgun, and swords; 12 charges have been filed for importation and possession offences.
- Greater Manchester Police arresting ten individuals and recovering 85 weapons related to importation and possession offences.
- Four men, aged 19 to 22, charged by Avon and Somerset Police with importing over 35 prohibited weapons, alongside additional charges following three separate warrants.
- Surrey Police arresting a man in Epsom for offences including possession and importation of prohibited weapons and unlawful ammunition possession, seizing more than 60 illegal weapons and over 270 non-prohibited weapons.
- West Midlands Police arresting multiple individuals in Birmingham and Walsall, charging at least three people with possession and importation offences. Items seized included zombie knives, knuckle dusters, firearms, and live ammunition.
Addressing the grey market sellers-individuals buying prohibited weapons in bulk to resell via social media or peer networks-remains a key focus for the NKCC.
Commander Stephen Clayman, Head of the National Knife Crime Centre, stated: “Our comprehensive review of online knife sales in 2024/25 exposed significant legislative gaps exploited by those purchasing prohibited weapons for resale. We are collaborating with the Home Office on measures, including enhanced age verification and bulk sales reporting, aimed at closing these loopholes.
“The importation threat is considerable, as overseas sellers are not bound by UK regulations governing prohibited weapons sales. Alongside Border Force, the NKCC is committed to identifying and addressing these vulnerabilities to prevent dangerous weapons reaching the public.
“Operation Obex exemplifies our joined efforts with police forces, Border Force, and criminal justice partners to tackle knife crime and bring offenders to justice. Each of the over 500 knives seized represents a potential life saved or injury avoided.
“Combating this threat demands collective action. We urge industry stakeholders, online platforms, and the public to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity, and support our mission to keep communities safe.”