Three men charged with firearms offences after operation in Leicestershire
Joint effort by the National Crime Agency and local police results in multiple arrests
Three men have been charged with firearms offences following a joint operation involving the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Leicestershire Police.
Ricky Plant, a 42-year-old from Solihull, faces charges of conspiracy to manufacture, possess, and supply firearms.
Joining him in legal proceedings is Bailey Middleton, aged 25, from Stonebow Village, Leicestershire.
Middleton has been charged with similar offences alongside additional charges for possession of a readily converted firearm, possession of a firearm, and driving offences.
Daniel Smith, aged 38, from Loughborough, has also been charged with conspiracy to manufacture, possess, and supply firearms, along with possession of a firearm and prohibited ammunition.
The three men appeared at Birmingham Magistrates Court on 17th April for their initial hearing.
These charges followed the recovery of a weapon when the NCA's Armed Operations Unit stopped a car in Loughborough, Leicestershire.
Simultaneously, a blank-firer believed to be readily convertible into a live-firing weapon, as well as materials for weapon and ammunition production, were seized from a Loughborough address.
Additionally, a 3D printer was recovered from a property in Solihull during the operation.
This action took place as part of Operation Target, a mission focused on combating serious and organised crime across the region.
The operation targets individuals involved in offences related to guns, drugs, money laundering, and exploitation.