Avon and Somerset Police have charged four young men, aged between 19 and 22, in connection with the importation of prohibited weapons into the UK-a key development within a broader national crackdown on online knife sales. This operation is part of a coordinated effort led by the National Knife Crime Centre (NKCC) that has seen over 500 dangerous or prohibited weapons seized across the country.
Operation Obex was initiated after the NKCC uncovered a European retailer selling both legal and prohibited knives to buyers in the UK. Following contact from the NKCC and with assistance from Europol, the retailer took the responsible decision to cease all knife sales to the UK market.
Investigations analysing sales data revealed intelligence on more than 300 purchasers, some suspected of reselling these weapons through the grey market, including social media and peer-to-peer networks. Individuals identified as buying multiple prohibited knives were referred to their local police forces for potential action.
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Recent enforcement actions nationwide have led to numerous arrests and seizures. In the Metropolitan Police Service area, nine arrests have resulted in the recovery of 16 weapons, including zombie-style machetes, lock knives, a shotgun, and swords, with 12 charges filed related to importation and possession offences. Greater Manchester Police made 10 arrests, recovering 85 weapons linked to similar offences.
In Avon and Somerset, three separate warrants led to charges against four men suspected of importing over 35 prohibited weapons collectively, alongside additional charges. Surrey Police arrested a man in Epsom on suspicion of multiple offences including possession and importation of prohibited weapons, seizing over 60 illegal weapons and more than 270 non-prohibited items. West Midlands Police also conducted arrests in Birmingham and Walsall, charging at least three individuals and confiscating zombie knives, knuckle dusters, firearms, and live ammunition.
Tackling the grey market trade-where individuals bulk buy knives, including prohibited ones, for onward sale-is a primary focus for the NKCC. Commander Stephen Clayman, Head of the NKCC, emphasised the ongoing challenges posed by legislative loopholes which have allowed such activities to persist despite current laws.
Commander Clayman noted: “Our review in 2024/25 of online knife sales highlighted significant gaps that are still being exploited. We are collaborating closely with the Home Office on new measures, including improved age-verification and bulk sales reporting, to better curb illegal weapon sales.”
He added that the importation of knives from overseas sellers, who are not bound by UK legislation governing prohibited weapons, poses a serious threat. “Through partnership with Border Force and criminal justice agencies, we strive to close these gaps to prevent such dangerous items reaching UK buyers.”
Operation Obex exemplifies the Centre’s commitment to working with police forces and partners nationwide to combat knife-related crime and bring offenders to justice. Commander Clayman highlighted that each weapon seized represents a potential life saved or a serious injury prevented.
He concluded with a call for collective action: “We urge industry partners, online platforms, and the public to help us identify risks and report suspicious activity, playing a critical role in stopping dangerous weapons from falling into the wrong hands.”