In a dramatic turn of events, an armed criminal’s own CCTV system inadvertently became the key evidence leading to his arrest during a gun deal. The incident unfolded on August 6th of last year, less than an hour before police firearms officers raided his residence on Allens Road, Winson Green.
The CCTV Footage: The surveillance footage begins with Suni Masih, 32, exiting his home to meet a driver in a rented Vauxhall Astra. The driver hands Masih a hessian bag, which he briefly inspects by taking a photograph of its contents—a pistol capable of automatic fire, loaded with seven 9mm rounds of ammunition.
The Police Raid: Acting on intelligence that a firearm might be stored at the property, firearms officers moved swiftly to raid Masih’s home. As the officers force entry, the CCTV captures a tense moment where Masih, seen through a rear window, desperately throws the gun outside just moments before his arrest. The weapon was later recovered in the same hessian bag during a thorough search conducted the following morning.
Subsequent Arrests and Sentencing: Jeremiah Williams, 30, of Wave Close, Walsall, the individual who handed the gun to Masih, was arrested days later. Both men admitted to conspiracy to supply firearms. In court at Birmingham Crown Court on Thursday, Masih was sentenced to five years and seven months, while Williams received a six-year sentence.
Police Statement: Detective Chief Inspector Bryn Robins of the Major Crime Unit commented on the case: “It’s quite fitting that a CCTV system designed to deter and catch criminals ended up catching its owner in the act of a serious crime. This is quite an unusual gun, and extremely dangerous, in that it is capable of firing for as long as whoever is holding it holds down the trigger, until it runs out of ammunition.”
Robins emphasized the severity of the weapon and the potential harm it could have caused. “We may never know how Masih planned to use the gun, but it’s clearly an extremely dangerous weapon which could have caused death or serious injury. The court has recognized the seriousness of this type of weapon and reflected it in the sentencing. Those involved in the supply of lethal firearms can expect lengthy prison sentences.”
Operation Target Success: This case is part of Operation Target, a dedicated initiative by West Midlands Police to combat serious and organized crime in the region. Last year alone, over 200 firearms were removed from the streets—a 40% increase from the previous year. Detective Robins concluded, “It’s great that we’ve been able to take it off the streets, and that the two people involved in its sale are off the streets as well.”
About Operation Target: Operation Target operates around the clock to address crimes related to guns, drugs, money laundering, and serious violence, striving to protect communities from those seeking to exploit them.