Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Wednesday 5th March 2025, at 17:25hrs
A routine patrol on the M1 in Nottinghamshire escalated into a dramatic high-speed chase and a significant firearms seizure, culminating in lengthy prison sentences for two Warwickshire men.
The incident, which occurred on March 30, 2023, has unveiled a wider conspiracy to manufacture and supply deadly weapons.
The saga began at approximately 9:45 PM when Nottinghamshire Police spotted a suspected cloned Ford Ranger pick-up truck at Trowell Services.
When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver, Shera Virk, 24, ignored their commands, triggering a pursuit that ended with the truck crashing into a lorry.
Inside the vehicle, officers apprehended Virk and his passenger, Joseph Steele, 34.
A subsequent search of the pick-up truck revealed a black case on the back seat, containing three firearms and a cache of ammunition. The discovery sent shockwaves through the force, triggering an immediate and thorough investigation.
Detectives pieced together the movements of Virk and Steele, revealing they had travelled from Warwickshire to Sheffield earlier that day to acquire the weapons.
They were intercepted on their return journey, preventing the potentially lethal arsenal from reaching its intended destination.
The investigation, led by Detective Constable Amelia Hicklin, revealed a far more extensive network involved in the manufacture and supply of firearms.
Working in collaboration with South Yorkshire Police, detectives unravelled a complex conspiracy, leading to the conviction of nine individuals for conspiracy to manufacture and supply firearms and prohibited ammunition.
At Sheffield Crown Court on February 28, Steele, of Brewery Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, was sentenced to nine years in prison. Virk, of Golf Lane, Whitnash, received an eight-year sentence.
Both men were convicted of possession of firearms and possession of prohibited ammunition following a three-week trial.
Virk was also convicted of dangerous driving.
Detective Constable Hicklin praised the “extremely impressive piece of proactive police work” by the Operational Support officers, whose alertness and skill led to the initial stop and the subsequent discovery of the weapons. “Their actions allowed us to apprehend these two suspects and take dangerous weapons off the streets and out of harm’s way,” she stated.
The investigation has not only removed a significant threat from the streets but has also dismantled a criminal network involved in the illegal manufacture and supply of firearms. The nine individuals convicted of conspiracy are due to be sentenced in the coming months, promising further disruption to the criminal enterprise.
“Thankfully, firearms offences are extremely rare in Nottinghamshire,” Detective Constable Hicklin added, “and we are proactive in our efforts to take these weapons off the streets and keep the public safe from the devastating consequences of gun crime.”
The successful conclusion of this operation serves as a stark reminder of the relentless efforts by law enforcement to combat gun crime and protect communities.
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