BREAKING: Thomas Kavanagh charged with firearms offence after airport arrest

SEARCH: Officers raid the Tamworth mansion of Thomas Kavanagh yesterday

IRISH national Thomas Kavanagh, 51, will appear in court tomorrow after he was charged with possession of a Section 5 firearm.

Kavanagh, whose Tamworth mansion was searched following his arrest at Birmingham Airport yesterday, was charged by the National Crime Agency (NCA) today.

He was held as part of a probe into the supply of drugs and firearms in Ireland and the UK.

He was arrested yesterday on suspicion of conspiring to import and supply drugs, firearms and ammunition, as well as money laundering.

NCA officers, supported by colleagues from An Garda Síochána and Staffordshire Police, conducted a number of searches and recovered a combination torch and stun gun – which is illegal to own and possess in the UK.

He was remanded in custody overnight and will appear at North Staffordshire Magistrates court tomorrow.

A 20-year old man, who was arrested alongside Kavanagh at Birmingham Airport has been released under investigation.

A third man, aged 19, was also arrested and released under investigation.