Nottingham teenager arrested on suspicion of attempting to import offensive weapon
A parcel containing a curved karambit knife was seized by Border Force officials
A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of attempting to import an offensive weapon into the UK.
Officers from Nottinghamshire Police visited the 18-year-old’s home in Nottingham after a parcel containing a curved karambit knife was seized by Border Force officials.
The parcel was sent from France and addressed to the teenager.
Offensive weapons which are designed to kill or inflict serious injury and do not have a legitimate use are banned from being imported into the UK.
Neighbourhood officers arrested the teenager on suspicion of importing a prohibited weapon with intent to evade a prohibition.
He was further arrested for possession of a Class A drug after suspected ecstasy tablets were discovered during a search of his home address.
The teenager was arrested on Thursday evening and taken into custody for questioning. He was later bailed pending further investigation work.
Sergeant Jono Pothecary, who is leading the investigation, said:
“As a police force we regularly work alongside UK Border Force to prevent packages containing illegal weapons from being delivered.
“We also carry out visits to the people who ordered the items to ensure they are held responsible for attempting to bring lethal weapons into our communities.
“Remember - just because something is for sale online, it does not mean it is legal to import into or own in this country.
“An online retailer will not stop you buying something which is illegal here in the UK – it’s up to you as an individual to be aware of the law.
“The unlawful provision and possession of weapons encourages violence and can cause serious injury and death in addition to facilitating other criminal offences.
“We will continue to seek to minimise the opportunities of weapons falling into the wrong hands by detecting them before they reach our communities.”
Nottinghamshire Police officers made this arrest as part of action taken during Sceptre – the national knife crime week of action – which runs until Sunday (17 November).
A series of initiatives, including knife sweeps, school visits, extra patrols, and targeted arrest attempts of suspected knife-carriers have all been conducted throughout the week.
Amnesty bins have also been made available inside 12 police stations across the county, with people able to anonymously dispose of blades and offensive weapons without fear of reprisal.