A handgun, sawn-off shot gun and a stash of ammunition have been recovered by West Midlands Police during a dawn raid on Colemeadow Road in Billesley, at around 5.15AM this morning (14/11). 

Officers from the Organised Crime & Gangs Team executed the warrant at a flat as part of the force’s offensive against organised crime in the city. 

An 8mm Baikal handgun, 36 rounds of 8mm and 9mm ammunition, a sawn-off double barrelled shotgun and 11 shotgun cartridges were seized. 

A man, aged 47, who was found at the address was arrested on suspicion of possessing firearms and Class A drugs. 

Sergeant Al Teague from the gangs team described the gun seizure as “hugely significant”.  He added: “Our intelligence work behind the scenes suggested this address was linked to firearms − and it’s proved spot on with the seizure of an illegal handgun, sawn-off shotgun and tens of rounds of ammunition. 

“This is a really important recovery and one that may well have saved lives. 

“A second warrant was executed just before 6am at an address linked to the suspect in Lozells; no arrests were made but a quantity of drugs was recovered and digital devices seized. 

“No-one linked to firearms can sleep easily at night: we could come crashing through their door at any time of day or night.” 

West Midlands Police is supporting a two-week national firearm surrender which started on Monday 13th November and aims to reduce the number of guns in circulation in the UK which could get into the hands of criminals. 

Weapons can be surrendered at any West Midlands Police station or by calling the force on 101 and arranging for officers to make home visits. 

To report suspicions of organised crime, or for help and advice on exiting gangs, visit the West Midlands Police website.