Two arrested in drug and firearms investigation

14 Jan 2019 01:35 PM

A 51-year-old man has been charged with possession of a Section 5 firearm after he was arrested recently (12 January) as part of a National Crime Agency investigation into the supply of drugs and firearms in Ireland and the UK.

Thomas Kavanagh, of Tamworth, was detained as he arrived at Birmingham Airport, and arrested on suspicion of conspiring to import and supply drugs, firearms and ammunition, as well as money laundering.

NCA officers, supported by colleagues from An Garda Síochána and Staffordshire Police, conducted a number of searches and recovered a combination torch and stun gun – which is illegal to own and possess in the UK.

Kavanagh was remanded in custody overnight and will appear at North Staffordshire Magistrates court today (14 January).

A 20-year old man, who was arrested alongside Kavanagh at Birmingham Airport has been released under investigation.

A third man, aged 19, was also arrested and released under investigation.

12 January 2019

Two men from Staffordshire have been arrested as part of a National Crime Agency investigation into the supply of drugs and firearms in Ireland and the United Kingdom.

A 51-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiring to import and supply drugs, firearms and ammunition, as well as money laundering offences on arrival at Birmingham Airport recently (Saturday 12 January). At the same location a second man, aged 20, was arrested on suspicion of money laundering offences.

NCA officers, supported by colleagues from Staffordshire Police, are also searching a property in the Tamworth area (right) and a business premises in Birmingham.

The arrest and searches are part of an investigation into the activities of an organised crime network alleged to be involved in the supply of drugs and firearms.

The investigation is being supported in Ireland by An Garda Síochána and other international partners.

The men are currently being questioned at a police station in Staffordshire. No further information is available at this stage.