More than 700 firearms have been seized during a five-year joint operation by Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and Spain’s Guardia Civil aimed at preventing the importation of easily converted replica guns into Britain. in deadly weapons, says the NCA in a statement today.

The operation, which also involved international law enforcement authorities and gun retailers, targeted the (FVBF) rifles, which resemble weapons such as Glocks.

These weapons are legally traded in some parts of mainland Europe, but it is illegal to own or import them into Britain.

Since 2019, the NCA and the Guardia Civil – which has jurisdiction in Spain for national firearms control – have been working together on the Vizardlike plan to combat the threat.

The operation has so far led to the seizure of 703 firearms, 74 arrests and 50 convictions, the NCA said in a statement.

Spain recently introduced new legislation restricting the sale of guns, with customers now required to present a Spanish ID and police clearance prior to purchase.