TWO arrested at airport over drug and firearms gang spanning UK and Ireland

RAID: NCA and Garda officers arrive at an address in Tamworth today

TWO men were today arrested at Birmingham Airport following a breakthrough in a probe into a major organised crime network spanning the UK and Ireland that is involved in supplying drugs and firearms.

Two men from Staffordshire were arrested by the National Crime Agency (NCA), known as Britain's FBI.

A 51-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiring to import and supply drugs, firearms and ammunition, as well as money laundering offences on arrival at Birmingham Airport this morning.

ARRESTS: Drama unfolded at Birmingham Airport this morning

A second man, 20, was arrested there on suspicion of money laundering offences.

NCA officers also searched a property in the Tamworth area of Staffordshire and a business premises in Birmingham as part pf the investigation. The investigation is being supported in Ireland by An Garda Síochána and other international partners. The men are currently being questioned at a police station in Staffordshire.