Illegal Firearm Found Hidden in Pizza Box in Gillingham
Police in Gillingham made a shocking discovery when they found a converted firearm hidden inside a pizza box during a raid. The weapon, a Retay 9mm capable of firing live rounds, was seized from a suspected drug dealer’s home on Wednesday, 26 February 2025.
The search came after officers arrested a 16-year-old boy acting suspiciously at Gillingham railway station earlier that day. The teenager, charged with possession of a firearm and involvement in supplying cocaine and cannabis, appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 28 February and was remanded in custody. He will face maidstone/" title="Maidstone" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Maidstone Crown Court on 28 March. Due to his age, his identity is protected.
Firearms Amnesty Nets Dangerous Weapons
Police crackdown coincided with the end of a month-long national firearms amnesty aimed at removing illegal weapons from the streets. kent.police.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="Kent Police" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Kent Police collected 15 top-venting blank-firing (TVBF) guns—legal to buy but often modified into lethal firearms—during this period.
- 15 imitation firearms surrendered
- 290 rounds of blank ammunition handed in
- A rare First World War-era revolver found in a loft
Police Warn of Growing Threat from Converted Guns
Detective Chief Inspector Martin Davies issued a stark warning about the dangers of converted firearms. He revealed that since 2021, over 800 TVBF guns linked to crime have been recovered across the UK. These weapons have been involved in at least four murders nationwide in the past two years.
“Once converted, they are clearly very dangerous weapons,” DCI Davies said. He applauded the public response to the amnesty, which gave people a safe way to hand in potentially illegal firearms.
“We are pleased that a number of people took advantage of the national amnesty, ensuring these weapons do not end up in the wrong hands.”
Gun Crime in Kent Still Low, But Police Stay Vigilant
Kent remains a safe county with gun crime relatively rare. However, Kent Police remain committed to keeping illegal firearms off the streets through targeted operations. The recent seizure in Gillingham is part of ongoing efforts to protect communities and maintain public safety.
