Two men jailed after gun seized in Operation Redfox activity in Wolverhampton
Two men have been jailed after a gun was recovered when a car was stopped by officers in Wolverhampton.
Omari Johnson-Thomas and Tyreique Hislop were charged following their arrest on April 15 last year, with both men admitted possessing a firearm and Hislop also admitting possessing ammunition.
Johnson-Thomas, 24, of Orchard Lane in Codsall and Hislop, 22, of New Meadow Road in Telford, were each jailed for five years when they appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court on January 27.
The court heard how the two men were arrested after the car was brought to a tactical stop near Goldthorn Hill in Wolverhampton, with the stop being made as part of Op Redfox, Wolverhampton Police’s on-going commitment to tackle serious violence and gang activity in the city.
On searching the Skoda, officers recovered a firearm from a carrier bag on the rear seat and further forensic examination showed that the weapon had been converted into a viable firearm.
Seven rounds of ammunition were also recovered during searches along with £1,000 in cash.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "Through Op Redfox, we're acting on information to execute warrants, carry out proactive operations and have high visibility in hotspots areas.
"This includes in and around the city centre, Whitmore Reans, East Park, Heath Town, Bilston and Dunstall.
"We want our open spaces to remain places for all our communities to enjoy and we are focussed on identifying those involved in serious organised crime locally.
"If your friend or loved one is involved with firearms they run the risk of lengthy prison sentences and serious injury as a result of their actions. It’s not worth the risk.
"So if you do have information, you can submit this in the dedicated Operation Redfox Portal: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/20HQ25C11-PO1
"If you want to speak to someone contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat at https://www.westmidlands.police.uk/ between 8am and midnight quoting Op Redfox, call 101 anytime quoting Op Redfox or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
