Five hundred-plus weapons seized in Operation Obex

Operation Obex was launched by the National Knife Crime Centre when it became aware of a European retailer which was selling both legal-to-own and prohibited knives to buyers here in the UK.

With Europol’s assistance and after being contacted by the National Knife Crime Centre, the retailer took the responsible decision to stop selling all knives to the UK market.

The National Knife Crime Centre team has since been able to examine sales data identifying intelligence concerning upwards of 300 individuals who had purchased weapons (some of whom were believed to be selling the knives on via the grey market). All identifiable customers who purchased multiple numbers of prohibited weapons were referred to respective police forces to consider action.

Enforcement activity

In recent weeks, enforcement activity has taken place across the country, subsequently leading to the seizure of hundreds of weapons, as well as multiple arrests and charges.

Among the results to date are the following:

*Nine arrests by the Metropolitan Police Service, resulting in 16 weapons being recovered (including zombie-style machetes, lock knives, a shotgun and swords). There have subsequently been 12 charges for importation and possession of offensive weapon offences.

*Ten arrests by Greater Manchester Police for the importation and possession of offensive weapon offences, with a total of 85 weapons recovered.

*Four men charged with importing prohibited weapons into the UK, following three unrelated warrants by Avon and Somerset Police. The men, aged between 19 and 22, are suspected of importing more than 35 prohibited or dangerous weapons between them. They’ve also been charged with additional offences.

*A man was arrested in Epsom on suspicion of possessing offensive weapons, importing prohibited weapons with intent to evade prohibition/restrictions and possessing ammunition for a firearm without a certificate. A large number of items were seized by officers from Surrey Police, including more than 60 weapons which are illegal to possess in a private place and more than 270 non-prohibited weapons.

*Multiple arrests by West Midlands Police at addresses in Birmingham and Walsall. At least three individuals have been charged for offences including possession of a prohibited weapon and the importation of prohibited weapons, with zombie knives, knuckle dusters, firearms and live ammunition among the items seized by officers.

Grey market sellers

Tackling grey market sellers – ie individuals who buy knives, including prohibited weapons, in bulk with the intention of selling them on via social media and other peer networks – is a key priority for the National Knife Crime Centre.

Commander Stephen Clayman, head of the National Knife Crime Centre, said: “The end-to-end review of online knife sales in 2024-2025 highlighted significant legislative loopholes that continue to be exploited by individuals purchasing prohibited weapons for resale through social media platforms and informal peer-to-peer networks.”

Clayman added: “We continue to work with the Home Office on a range of measures to address many of the issues raised in the review, including the need for new legislation, more robust age verification processes and UK bulk sales reporting. We’re fully committed to identifying, pursuing and bringing to justice those involved in the illegal purchase and onward sale of dangerous weapons.”

Further, Clayman observed: “The importation of knives does present a significant threat. Sellers based outside of the UK are not subject to the same strict legal requirements and responsibilities that apply to UK retailers, including legislation governing the sale of prohibited weapons. Through close collaboration with Border Force, the National Knife Crime Centre will continue to identify and address any gaps that enable these weapons to reach individuals in the UK.”

Saving lives

Operation Obex is just one example of how the National Knife Crime Centre is working alongside police forces, Border Force and criminal justice partners alike across the country to tackle knife-enabled crime and ensure that offenders are brought to justice.”

Clayman concluded: “Over 500 knives have been prevented from being used and every one of those knives seized is a potential life saved or a serious injury avoided. Tackling this threat requires a collective effort. On that basis, we continue to call on industry partners, online platforms and the public to work with us to identify risks, report suspicious activity and help to prevent dangerous weapons from reaching those who may use them to cause harm.”

*Further information is available online at www.npcc.police.uk