Over 500 weapons seized in UK-wide crackdown on zombie knives and machetes

British police seized more than 500 deadly weapons and made multiple arrests after shutting down a European grey-market seller supplying prohibited knives to UK buyers.

Operation Obex: police seize hundreds of zombie knives, guns and swords from grey-market network

More than 500 weapons — including zombie knives, machetes, swords and firearms — have been seized across England following a national police crackdown on an overseas retailer illegally supplying the UK market, the Daily Express reports.

Operation Obex was launched by the National Knife Crime Centre (NKCC) after intelligence identified a European online seller distributing both legal and prohibited knives to customers in Britain. British officers, working alongside Europol, contacted the retailer, which "responsibly took the decision" to stop selling all knives to the UK market.

Sales data led to more than 300 buyers

The NKCC subsequently obtained sales records identifying over 300 individuals who had purchased weapons from the retailer. Some of those buyers were believed to be reselling the knives through the grey market — the trade of legitimate goods through unauthorised channels, distinct from the black market in that the products themselves are genuine.

All identifiable customers found to have purchased multiple prohibited weapons in bulk were referred to regional police forces for further action.

Arrests and charges across multiple force areas

Enforcement operations carried out in recent weeks have produced results across several police force areas.

The Metropolitan Police Service made nine arrests, recovering 16 weapons including zombie-style machetes, lock knives, a shotgun and swords. Twelve charges followed for importation and possession of offensive weapon offences.

Greater Manchester Police arrested ten people for importation and possession of offensive weapon offences, recovering a total of 85 weapons.

Avon and Somerset Police executed three unrelated warrants, resulting in four men — aged between 19 and 22 — being charged with importing prohibited weapons into the UK. The four are collectively suspected of importing more than 35 prohibited weapons, and each faces additional charges.

Surrey Police arrested a man in Epsom on suspicion of possessing offensive weapons, importing prohibited weapons with intent to evade restriction, and possessing ammunition without a firearm certificate. Officers seized more than 60 weapons illegal to possess in a private place, as well as over 270 non-prohibited items.

West Midlands Police made multiple arrests at addresses in Birmingham and Walsall. At least three people were charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and importation of prohibited weapons. Items recovered included zombie knives, knuckle dusters, firearms and live ammunition.

Loopholes and legislation under review

Commander Stephen Clayman, head of the NKCC, said a review of online knife sales he led in 2024/25 had "highlighted significant legislative loopholes that continue to be exploited by individuals purchasing prohibited weapons for resale through social media platforms and informal peer-to-peer networks."

Clayman said the NKCC is continuing to work with the Home Office on a range of measures, including new legislation to introduce more robust age-verification processes and UK bulk sales reporting requirements.

"The importation of knives does present a significant threat," Clayman said. "Sellers based outside the UK are not subject to the same strict legal requirements and responsibilities that apply to UK retailers, including legislation governing the sale of prohibited weapons."

He added that close collaboration with Border Force would continue to identify and close gaps enabling weapons to reach individuals in the UK.

"Over 500 knives have been prevented from being used and every one seized is a potential life saved or serious injury avoided," Clayman said. "Tackling this threat requires a collective effort, and we continue to call on industry partners, online platforms and the public to work with us to identify risks, report suspicious activity and help prevent dangerous weapons from reaching those who may use them to cause harm."

Targeting grey-market resellers — those who purchase prohibited knives in bulk and distribute them via social media and peer networks, often to children — remains a stated priority for the NKCC.

Source: Daily Express