More than 1,000 Turkish-manufactured blank-firing guns were surrendered to police across England and Wales during a four-week national firearms amnesty, which ended on 28 February 2025.
The top-venting blank-firing (TVBF) guns, previously legal for over-18s to purchase without a licence, had become a growing concern for law enforcement due to their easy conversion into lethal firearms. Tests by the National Crime Agency (NCA) identified models from four Turkish manufacturers – ‘Retay’, ‘Ekol’, ‘Ceonic’ and ‘Blow’ – as readily convertible, leading to their prohibition.
Alongside the firearms, 3,000 rounds of blank ammunition were also surrendered.
Assistant chief constable Tim Metcalfe, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for the criminal use of firearms, welcomed the public’s response but warned that those still in possession of a Turkish-manufactured TVBF could now face prosecution.
“These weapons posed a significant threat as they were being exploited by organised criminals. With the amnesty now over, anyone found in possession of one risks up to 10 years in prison,” he said.
Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson reinforced the government’s position: “Taking these illegal firearms off the streets is crucial for public safety. The law is clear—those who continue to hold onto them will face serious consequences.”
Since 2021, more than 1,000 converted TVBFs have been recovered in criminal investigations. With the ban now in effect, police are expected to step up enforcement efforts against those who failed to surrender their firearms during the amnesty.
The NCA has urged anyone aware of illegal firearm possession to report it by calling 101 or contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Greater Manchester firearms dealers surrender blank-firing guns ahead of amnesty
A proactive engagement campaign by Greater Manchester Police’s (GMP) Firearms Licensing Unit has led to the surrender of 18 top-venting blank-firing (TVBF) guns from registered firearms dealers ahead of the national firearms amnesty, which ran from 3 to 28 February 2025.
GMP’s outreach, which began in November 2024, prompted several customers to voluntarily surrender blank-firing guns, including one individual who handed in six weapons, which were subsequently destroyed and surrendered by the retailer.
Firearms & explosives licensing manager Simon Akker, from GMP’s Serious Crime Division, said: “As part of our ongoing firearms amnesty, the Firearms Licensing Unit has been working closely with local retailers and gun clubs to proactively recover blank-firing weapons.
“Our collaborative approach has been critical, as blank-firing weapons pose a significant risk to our community. These seemingly inert devices can be illegally modified into viable and dangerous firearms, potentially falling into the hands of criminals, which we know has already happened here and across the country.”
You can read the full March 2025 issue below:
