NCA Seizes 20 Firearms in Kingsclere Raid

In a significant operation on December 10, 2024, the National Crime Agency (NCA) raided a suspected gun factory in Kingsclere, Berkshire, seizing twenty firearms, including four Glock pistols, nine shotguns, and a deactivated Bren machine gun. The operation resulted in the arrest of Philip John Maylen, 57, who has been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon under the Firearms Act of 1968 and is scheduled to appear in court. NCA branch commander Chris Hill emphasized the severity of the haul, noting that these weapons could have posed serious threats to local communities. Additionally, officials recovered 11 imitation firearms and various gun components, with ongoing tests to determine the viability of some recovered weapons. The NCA reiterated its commitment to combating illegal firearms and protecting public safety, working with both domestic and international partners. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about the illegal arms trade and its implications for organized crime in the UK.