National Knife Crime Centre marks six months of action

More than 1,300 illegal or dangerous weapons have been recovered or seized as the National Knife Crime Centre (NKCC) marked its first six months of coordinated action to disrupt the online sale and importation of offensive weapons.

Working nationally with police forces, Border Force and other partners, the NKCC is targeting the supply of weapons before they reach communities by identifying online sellers and purchasers, developing intelligence and supporting enforcement across the country.

Tackling grey market sellers – individuals who buy knives, including prohibited weapons, in bulk with the intention of selling them on through social media and other peer-to-peer networks – is a key priority for the NKCC. The Centre is also targeting the importation of weapons from countries where legislation differs from that in the UK.

During its first six months*, the Home Office-funded Centre which launched in April and is hosted by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC):

• Identified 186 grey market weapons sellers
• Reported 183 social media handles for closure
• Reviewed 21 weapons-related websites

Through its work with Border Force and intelligence shared with police forces across the country, the Centre also:

• Coordinated the seizure or recovery of 1,364 weapons
• Contributed to 66 arrests or cautions linked to grey market sales or importation
• Contributed to 94 charges, four linked to grey market sales and 90 to importation
• Contributed to three convictions for grey market offences, with further cases awaiting trial
• Identified 18 juveniles of concern, with information shared with relevant forces for enforcement and safeguarding purposes.

Much of the weapons seizure activity during the six-month period resulted from two operations, Obex 1 and Obex 2.

The first phase saw the NKCC identify a European retailer selling both legal-to-own and prohibited knives to customers in the UK, without being aware of differences between the two countries’ legislation.

After being contacted by the Centre, the retailer agreed to immediately stop sales to the UK. The NKCC subsequently examined sales data and developed intelligence relating to more than 300 people who had purchased weapons, some of whom were suspected of selling knives on through the grey market.

The intelligence was shared with police forces, leading to enforcement activity across multiple areas of the country where individuals had made multiple orders.

The second phase, Obex 2, focused on the methods used by suspects to import dangerous and prohibited weapons from abroad to sell on to others.

Acting on this intelligence and working with the NKCC, Border Force intercepted dozens of shipments destined for addresses across England and Wales. This resulted in the seizure of hundreds of knives, the majority of which were found to be illegal, including zombie-style machetes and knives.

Alongside these proactive interceptions, Border Force and the NKCC identified people who had previously received shipments from the same companies using similar descriptions. Almost 50 customers across 20 police force areas were identified.

Subsequent enforcement activity by police forces resulted in further seizures, including 150 weapons concealed within two consignments that had already been delivered to an address in Greater Manchester.

Commander Stephen Clayman, head of the NKCC, said:

“Although the National Knife Crime Centre is still in its infancy and has a relatively small team, these figures demonstrate the impact it is already having. Our work is translating into enforcement action, prosecutions and the removal of significant numbers of dangerous weapons from circulation.

“The NKCC occupies a unique position within the national response to knife crime, with an increasing focus on preventing dangerous weapons from reaching people in the first place.

“At the heart of our approach is a simple principle: reducing availability reduces the opportunity for harm. By identifying illicit online sellers, disrupting importation, working with retailers and technology companies, and supporting changes to legislation, we are working upstream to make it harder for criminals to buy knives online and to prevent particularly dangerous weapons from reaching our communities.

“Operations Obex 1 and 2 have highlighted the very real threat posed by grey market sellers and the importation of prohibited weapons, and we will continue to build on that work.

“New legislation will also strengthen our ability to intervene. Mandatory bulk sales notifications and voluntary suspicious sales referrals will enable policing to identify concerning purchasing patterns at scale within England, Wales & Scotland, creating opportunities to act before weapons enter criminal markets or are used to facilitate violence.

“Alongside this, we will continue to develop new approaches to prevention and enforcement, explore how technology can support our work and identify improvements that strengthen policing activity nationwide.

“As we head towards a period of significant reform for UK policing, the NKCC is a clear example of the benefits of national coordination and expertise which makes a difference to local people. The work of the centre to gather intelligence and act nationally is preventing duplication and freeing up forces to focus on prevention, undertake targeted local enforcement and engagement and safeguard people in their local communities.  

“To date, the NKCC has coordinated the seizure or recovery of more than 1,300 weapons. That means 1,300 weapons that can never be used to threaten or injure, 1,300 weapons that officers will not have to recover through stop and search, warrants or investigations, reducing risk to both the public and police alike.

“Every knife removed from circulation represents a potential life saved or a serious injury prevented.

“Our determination to identify, disrupt and prosecute those responsible remains unwavering and we will continue to make it increasingly difficult for these types of dangerous weapons to reach our communities and cause harm.”

The results come as the Government launches its No Place for Knives campaign in Birmingham, Westminster and Croydon. The campaign puts a spotlight on increased police action such as extra patrols, smarter metal detection and rapid response e-bikes being taken in knife crime hotspot areas. It aims to reach those at risk of committing knife crime and reinforce the message that using a knife is not worth the risk.

Policing Minister Sarah Jones said:

“These results send a clear message to those making money from dangerous weapons: we will find you, disrupt your illegal trade and put a stop to it.

“Tackling knife crime at its source stops dangerous weapons reaching our streets in the first place, saving lives and making our communities safer.

“This government is committed to halving knife crime in a decade. Working with policing and partners, we will continue to combine relentless enforcement with early intervention and prevention. With knife crime down 11% in two years, we’re making progress but there is more to do.”

Pooja Kanda OBE, Founder of Justice for Ronan Kanda, said:

“In June 2022, my 16-year-old son, Ronan, was murdered in a case of mistaken identity, just two doors from our home. The weapons used to murder him were purchased online and collected from a local Post Office without an identity check, exposing serious failures in how dangerous weapons were marketed, sold and delivered.

“Our campaign highlighted gaps in legislation around the sale and accessibility of dangerous weapons. Through our campaign and the Government’s commitment to change, Ronan’s Law brought stronger safeguards, including the ban on ninja swords in August 2025.

“I congratulate the National Knife Crime Centre team on its achievements in just six months. The seizure or recovery of 1,364 weapons and identification of 186 grey market sellers demonstrate the impact of working together with police forces, Border Force and responsible retailers.

“Ronan’s Law and the Centre’s work go hand in hand. As the Government works to halve knife crime, we will keep campaigning for a robust retailer licensing system.

“Ronan’s Law was born from tragedy, but its purpose is prevention. By banning dangerous Ninja swords, strengthening accountability and stopping them from reaching the wrong hands, we are fighting to prevent another life from being taken.”

*Stats refer to period April 2, 2026 – September 28, 2026