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Man Tried to Buy 40 Handguns, Print Machine Gun
21 Feb
Summary
- 22-year-old arrested for attempting to buy imitation firearms.
- He allegedly tried to print his own sub-machine gun.
- Police found real weapons in a bush; suspect faces multiple charges.
Luke Fortune, a 22-year-old from Longwell Green, Bristol, was arrested in July 2024. He is accused of attempting to purchase 35 top-venting blank firearms (TVBFs) and three antique guns. TVBFs, which are imitation firearms that fire blanks, have been illegal in the UK since 1982 due to their potential for conversion into live weapons.
Further investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA) revealed Fortune's alleged attempt to manufacture a 3D-printed sub-machine gun. He was arrested again in January 2025 after police discovered a Glock-style pistol and a revolver hidden in a bush in the Longwell Green area.
Fortune faces multiple charges, including possession of firearms and ammunition, and converting firearms. He is also accused of making or manufacturing a firearm, selling firearms, and conspiracy to import firearms. The NCA stated that these weapons posed a significant threat, and they remain committed to intercepting illegal firearms.
