07-02-2025
Teenager charged after converted firearm recovered in drugs raid
A teenager has been charged after a blank firing gun converted into a lethal weapon was recovered by police. Sufiaan Ali is believed to be one of the first people charged as new legislation comes in next month with regard to specific Turkish-made blank firers.
He has been charged with possession of a readily convertible firearm following a drugs raid in Oldham yesterday (Thursday, February 6).
The 19-year-old, of Hardy Street, Oldham, has been remanded to appear at Manchester Crown Court in Minshull Street on Friday March 14. He is also charged with being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs (namely THC and synthetic cannaboids) and possession of criminal property.
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In a statement Greater Manchester Police said: "This charge is thought to be one of our firsts for this specific new offence, and comes as we support a national amnesty to recover Turkish-manufactured Top Venting Blank Firers (TVBF).
"Firearms of any nature, but particularly models Retay, Ekol, Ceonic ISSC and Blow, must be surrendered to police stations by Friday 28 February 2025, as they are now illegal."
More information on the amnesty and locations to surrender firearms to can be found here: Firearms Amnesty | Greater Manchester Police
