Four friends have been jailed for a total of 36 years after officers stormed into a flat and found a haul of guns, ammunition, cash, and drugs.
Acting on intelligence, officers executed a warrant in Coxmoor Court, Top Valley, on 10 March 2021, believing there to be drugs inside.
They interrupted Tobias Holmes, who lived at the address, and James King, who were sat having a cup of coffee, as officers were quick to arrest both men after their suspicions were confirmed.
Officers found Class A drugs and drug equipment including scales and deal bags alongside cash and phones.
On closer inspection, a number of slam guns, shotgun cartridges, ammunition, and a handgun were all uncovered.
Carrying out a full sweep of the flat officers found bullets in a drawstring bag and metal pipes and cartridges all capable of being put together to form at least three separate slam guns.
With the help of DNA found on the metal pipes after forensically analysing the weapons, investigating officers were then led straight to two other men who were later hauled before the courts.
Holmes, aged 33, of Coxmoor Court, was charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, and possession of ammunition without a firearm certificate. He was jailed for 12 years.
King, 65, of Townsend Court, Top Valley, was charged with possession of a prohibited firearm. He was sentenced to eight years in prison.
Ramari Blackwood, 23, of HMP Ranby, was charged with possession of a prohibited firearm. He received eight years in prison.
Callum Arthur, aged 29, of Perry Road, Sherwood, was also charged with possession of a prohibited firearm. He was jailed for eight years.
All four men appeared in front of a judge at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday (10 March 2023) after all four men were found guilty following a two-and-a-half-week trial that concluded on 15 February.
Detective Sergeant James Hirst, whose team led the investigation for Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Every single officer and team involved in this case has worked incredibly hard over the last two years to gather the intelligence, carry out the warrant, analyse every single piece of evidence, charge and bring the matter to court.
“I want to thank everyone for all their hard work and getting this result today is a massive team effort.
“Most importantly I hope this sends a very strong message to anyone who believes it’s acceptable, legal, or okay to possess any weapon as a form of protection or even think about using them – this is never going to be allowed and we will always do everything humanly possible to bring those criminals to justice.
“The use of a firearm has deadly consequences, the impacts can be felt not just by the suspect and victim, but the surrounding community and families and friends of both the suspect and victim.
“To anyone who believes it is acceptable to possess any kind of weapon and drugs and think you can go undetected – you can think again.
“We will never give up hunting suspects, hauling them in front of the courts no matter how much time has gone or how complex an investigation is, possession of weapons and drugs is something that Nottinghamshire Police will never tolerate – and there is no excuse to ever be in possession of one.”
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