A 41-year-old Birmingham man has been charged with firearms-related offences following the seizure of a converted blank-firing weapon in the city. Wayne Geary was arrested on November 6 last year and has since been charged with possession of a firearm and selling or transferring a gun, according to a police press release.
The investigation led to the recovery of the weapon, which had been converted from a blank-firing device into a functioning firearm. Such conversions are illegal and pose significant risks to public safety.
Geary appeared at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on February 21, remanded in custody. He is scheduled to appear at Birmingham Crown Court on March 21 for further proceedings.
West Midlands Police have reiterated their commitment to tackling illegal firearms and ensuring community safety. A spokesperson stated, “The possession and distribution of illegal firearms will not be tolerated. We will continue to work tirelessly to remove dangerous weapons from our streets and hold those responsible to account.”
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address gun crime and illegal weapon modifications in the region.