Gun and Drugs Bust in Top Valley: Four Jailed After Shocking Find
Nottinghamshire cops acted on a tip-off and swooped on a flat in Coxmoor Court, Top Valley, on 10 March 2021. They believed drugs were inside – and they were right.
Friends Caught Red-Handed Over Coffee
Officers interrupted Tobias Holmes, 33, and James King, 65, who were sat having a cup of coffee. Both were swiftly arrested after police found Class A drugs, deal bags, scales, cash, and phones at the scene.
Deadly Weapons Discovered in Flat Sweep
The raid revealed far more than drugs. Police uncovered multiple slam guns, shotgun cartridges, ammunition, and a handgun. A full search turned up bullets in a drawstring bag plus metal pipes and cartridges that could be assembled into at least three slam guns.
Forensic experts used DNA on the metal pipes to track down two more men connected to the stash. All four men faced the judge at Nottingham Crown Court on 10 March, after a two-and-a-half-week trial ended in February.
Heavy Sentences for All Four Men
- Tobias Holmes, Coxmoor Court: Jailed for 12 years for possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, and ammunition possession without a certificate.
- James King, Townsend Court, Top Valley: Sentenced to eight years for possession of a prohibited firearm.
- Ramari Blackwood, HMP Ranby: Eight years for possession of a prohibited firearm.
- Callum Arthur, Perry Road, Sherwood: Eight years for possession of a prohibited firearm.
Police Warn Criminals: We Will Find You
“Every officer involved worked incredibly hard over the last two years to gather intelligence, execute the warrant, analyse evidence, and bring these men to justice,” said Detective Sergeant James Hirst.
“Let this be a strong message – possessing weapons or drugs is never acceptable or legal. The deadly impacts affect not just suspects and victims, but whole communities.”
“If you think you can own weapons or drugs and avoid detection, think again. Nottinghamshire Police will never stop hunting criminals, no matter the time or complexity.”
