Staffordshire men arrested in national drugs and firearms investigation
Two men from Staffordshire have been arrested as part of an 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 on Saturday.
At the same location a second man, aged 20, was arrested on suspicion of money laundering offences.
The National Crime Agency has now charged 51-year-old Thomas Kavanagh, of Tamworth, with possession of a Section 5 firearm.
The second man has been released under investigation while a 19-year-old, who is also linked to the investigation, has been arrested and released under investigation.
National Crime Agency officers, supported by colleagues from Staffordshire Police, are also searching a property in the Tamworth area 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.
