Three charged with firearms offences following joint operation

We’ve charged three men with firearms offences as part of a joint operation alongside the National Crime Agency and supported by Leicestershire Police.

Ricky Plant, aged 42, from Solihull, was charged with conspiracy to manufacture, possess and supply firearms.

Bailey Middleton, aged 25, from Stonebow Village, Leicestershire, was charged with conspiracy to manufacture, possess and supply firearms as well as possession of a readily converted firearm.

He was also charged with possession of a firearm and driving on false plates, having no licence and no insurance.

Daniel Smith, aged 38, from Loughborough, was also charged with conspiracy to manufacture, possess and supply firearms as well as possession of a firearm and possession of prohibited ammunition.

All three were appearing at Birmingham Magistrates Court today (17 April) for a first hearing.

It follows the recovery of a weapon after a car was stopped by officers from the NCA’s Armed Operations Unit in Loughborough, Leicestershire, on Wednesday afternoon.

At around the same time, a blank-firer which is believed to have been readily convertible into a live-firing weapon was seized at an address in the Loughborough area, along with material used in the production of weapons and ammunition. The operation also saw a 3D printer recovered from a property in Solihull.

We’re currently running Operation Target, our 24/7 mission to tackle serious and organised crime across the region.

Investigators and specialist teams target those involved in guns, drugs, money laundering and exploitation.

Find out more 👉 Operation Target | West Midlands Police