Gun Gang Busted in Mansfield and Nottingham After Replica Pistols Turned Deadly
Andrew Wheelhouse ran a secret gun-conversion workshop from his home garage in Mansfield Woodhouse. The 41-year-old turned replica pistols into live firearms and helped supply them onwards.
Armed Police Raid Uncovers Shocking Arsenal
Wheelhouse was arrested during a dramatic armed police raid at his Marples Avenue address on 6 July 2021. Officers seized 15 blank firearms, around 40 blank cartridges, an adapted lathe and drill press used in conversions, plus metal shavings evidence.
Further investigation exposed a sprawling criminal network. Members communicated and moved these lethal weapons to an address in Canver Close, Bilborough.
Key Players Arrested After Gun Moves Caught on CCTV
- Mitch Butterworth, 30, and Amraiz Mahmood, 29, were caught shifting a silencer in and out of a car in April 2021.
- Butterworth made multiple visits, transporting firearms from the Bilborough hub.
- Matthew Galloway, 29, helped Butterworth sell the converted guns.
- Brothers Reuben (34) and Tyrone Thomas (29), supported by Umar Alam (29), managed storage and supply.
- Darren James, 37, was stopped with an antique revolver-type firearm in Netherfield.
On 22 April 2021, police stopped two Audis in Bramhall Road, Bilborough. A gun, rounds, and magazine were found, resulting in arrests of Alam, Mahmood, Butterworth, Galloway, and Tyrone Thomas.
Long Sentences for Gang Members After Seven-Week Trial
After a gruelling trial at Nottingham Crown Court, the jury delivered verdicts and handed down heavy sentences:
- Mitch Butterworth jailed for 12 years 4 months for conspiring to possess firearms with intent.
- Andrew Wheelhouse sentenced to 11 years for conspiracy to possess firearms and prohibited weapons.
- Amraiz Mahmood received six years 8 months for possession of prohibited weapon for sale.
- Matthew Galloway locked up for 11 years.
- Tyrone Thomas given 8 years 3 months.
- Reuben Thomas sentenced to 7 years 6 months.
- Leutrim Krasniqi jailed for six years.
- Ergys Zekaj got six years 11 months.
- Umar Alam was sentenced to 7 years.
- Darren James received 2 years 3 months for possession when prohibited.
Detective Speaks Out on Dismantling Deadly Production Line
“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 intended to use them,” said Detective Inspector Mark Adas, East Midlands Special Operations Unit.
“Rife with risk of harm, it was vital to shut down this operation. Our investigation mapped manufacture, storage, movement, and supply across Nottingham and London.
“This was a resourceful, organised group that posed a serious threat. I’m pleased our work has led to significant prison sentences.
“These convictions send a clear warning to criminals about the consequences of trafficking firearms and endangering the public.”
