FIVE people were arrested and a firearm recovered after National Crime Agency Officers stopped a car in south Birmingham.
The group – all aged between 23 and 27 – were detained following the stop by armed officers in Muirfield Gardens, Kings Norton.
A handgun and ammunition were recovered at the arrest scene.
All five were are now being questioned on suspicion of possessing a firearm.
Officers from the NCA and West Midlands Police carried out searches in Rubery, Longbridge, Northfield, Shenley Fields and Stourbridge in connection with the arrests.
NCA Branch Commander Mick Pope said: “We have seen all too recently in Birmingham how illegal firearms are used in acts of serious violence, as well as being used by crime groups to coerce and intimidate.
“This is why reducing their availability and taking guns off the streets is a priority for the NCA and West Midlands Police.
“However, protecting communities from this threat cannot be achieved by law enforcement action alone.
“I’d encourage anyone with information about illegally held firearms to contact Crimestoppers anonymously or police.”
