The UK National Crime Agency (NCA) reported that it "has seized over 700 firearms in collaboration with the Spanish Civil Guard (Guardia Civil) in a five-year operation aimed at preventing replica weapons that can easily be converted into lethal firearms from entering Britain." It clarified that "the operation has so far resulted in the seizure of 703 firearms, the arrest of 74 individuals, and 50 convictions."
The operation also involved international law enforcement agencies and retailers of firearms, targeting blank-firing weapons resembling handguns, such as those manufactured by Glock. These firearms are legally traded in some parts of Europe but are illegal to possess or import in Britain.
The NCA has been working with the Spanish Guardia Civil on this project called "Vizardlike" to combat the threat posed by this type of weapon since 2019. Recently, Spain enacted new legislation imposing restrictions on the sale of these weapons, requiring buyers to present Spanish identification and police approval before purchase.
