Guns and Ammo Dug Up In Warrington Garden in Major Crime Bust
Two pistols and over 100 rounds of ammo have been uncovered buried in a Warrington garden. The National Crime Agency (NCA) made the find during a crackdown on large-scale firearms supply linked to the notorious EncroChat spy network.
Buried Guns Include Loaded 9mm and Suppressor
The weapons were found hidden in taped packages at a Selworthy Drive home. One stash held a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol plus about 100 bullets. The other contained a Grand Power semi-auto pistol, more than 20 rounds, and a suppressor.
The NCA tracked down the weapons after analyzing EncroChat data from Operation Venetic and seizing mobile phones during related arrests.
Warrington Man Nabbed in Spain Over Firearms Inquiry
Robert Brazendale, 33, linked to the property, was arrested last month on Spain’s Costa del Sol under a European Arrest Warrant. The wider probe has already seized AK47s, Uzi and Skorpion submachine guns, plus 300 rounds of ammo.
Three other men face charges connected to those earlier haul, while a man and woman in their 60s were arrested but released under investigation from the Warrington address.
NCA Vows To Keep Guns Off UK Streets
“A lot of effort had clearly been put into trying to hide these weapons which we believe are linked to serious and organised crime,” said Paul Owen, NCA Investigations Manager.
“We know that guns in the UK are commonly used by criminals to coerce, intimidate and carry out serious acts of violence. Through the diligence of our officers and support from partners, we’ve taken more deadly weapons out of circulation. We will continue to target offenders who bring firearms into our communities.”
The operation stems from the NCA’s response to the collapse of EncroChat, the encrypted messaging service used by criminal gangs. Operation Venetic has significantly disrupted firearms trafficking across the UK.
