UK’s NCA and Spain’s Guardia Civil prevent 703 firearms from being imported in a five-year joint operation.

More than 700 firearms have been seized during a joint operation by Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and Spain’s Guardia Civil aimed at preventing the importation of replica guns into Britain that can easily be turned into lethal weapons, according to NCA’s today’s announcement.

The operation, which also involved international law enforcement and gun retailers, targeted the (FVBF) rifles, which resemble guns such as Glocks. These weapons are legally traded in some parts of mainland Europe, but it is illegal to own or import them into Britain.

Since 2019, the NCA and the Guardia Civil, which has jurisdiction in Spain for national firearms control, have been working together on the Vizardlike plan to combat the threat.

The operation has so far led to the seizure of 703 firearms, 74 arrests, and 50 convictions, the NCA said in a statement.

Spain recently introduced new legislation restricting the sale of guns, with customers now required to present a Spanish ID and police clearance prior to purchase.

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