Garage Gun Workshop Busted in Mansfield Woodhouse
Andrew Wheelhouse, 41, ran a secret gun-conversion workshop in his Mansfield Woodhouse garage. He turned replica pistols into deadly firearms and supplied them to a wider criminal network.
Armed police swooped on his Marples Avenue home on 6 July 2021. They uncovered 15 blank guns, around 40 blank cartridges, a modified lathe, and a drill press used to convert the pistols. Metal shavings at the scene confirmed illegal gun-making was happening.
Wider Gang Exposed in Firearms Supply Chain
Investigators cracked open a major gun-running racket. The gang converted blank-firing guns into live weapons at Wheelhouse’s workshop before moving them to a property on Canver Close, Bilborough.
- Mitch Butterworth, 30, and Amraiz Mahmood, 29, were caught moving a silencer in and out of a car at the Bilborough address in April 2021.
- Butterworth repeatedly transported guns between the property and vehicles on multiple nights.
- Matthew Galloway, 29, helped Butterworth facilitate firearm sales.
- Brothers Reuben Thomas, 34, and Tyrone Thomas, 29, led firearm storage, movement, and supply, aided by Umar Alam, 29.
Meanwhile, Darren James, 37, was seized in Netherfield in April 2021 driving a BMW loaded with a revolver-type antique gun and parts. James had bought the firearm earlier that year.
Mass Arrests and Gun Seizures Rock Nottingham
On 22 April 2021, police stopped two Audis in Bilborough. Inside one was a gun case loaded with a firearm, magazine, and rounds. The occupants—Alam, Mahmood, Butterworth, Galloway, and Tyrone Thomas—all got arrested.
Searches of linked properties uncovered two converted short-barrelled guns, ammo, a loaded magazine, and a silencer.
Investigators also identified Leutrim Krasniqi, 28, and Ergys Zekaj, 25, as part of the conspiracy and recipients of converted guns.
Heavy Prison Time for Gun Gang
- Ergys Zekaj was jailed for six years and 11 months.
- Leutrim Krasniqi got six years.
- Umar Alam admitted possessing a prohibited weapon for sale and received seven years.
- Darren James pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm while banned and got two years and three months.
- Wheelhouse was locked up for seven years and six months following a seven-week trial at Nottingham Crown Court.
Detective Inspector Mark Adas, East Midlands Special Operations Unit, said: “This gang had an entire production line going—from sourcing and converting blank-firing guns into deadly weapons, to selling them on to those who meant to use them.
“These activities risked massive harm. It was vital we shut down the whole operation.
“Our detailed investigation exposed the manufacture, storage, movement, and supply of firearms and ammunition not just in Nottingham but reaching into London.
“This was a resourceful, organised group who posed a serious threat. I’m pleased our work has resulted in significant prison sentences. We hope this sends a strong warning to others about the consequences of trafficking firearms and endangering the public.”
