A Kendal man has appeared in court after 10 firearms were found in an industrial premises in the town.
Armed officers from the National Crime Agency raided the premises last Thursday and found the Ekol top-venting blank firing pistols – which are convertible into lethal weapons.
Live ammunition and a silencer were also found.
When the premises were searched, a suspicious device was found and later confirmed not to be an explosive after army bomb disposal experts were called in.
A residential property in Kendal was also searched and five nearby flats evacuated as a precaution after a suspected unknown chemical was found.
The substance was safely removed and occupants allowed back in soon after.
The NCA was supported by Cumbria Constabulary officers and other emergency services.
Because of ongoing operational work, the agency has only made the details public today, it said.
Today, March 13, Dudley Brennan, 29, of Sandes Avenue, Kendal, appeared at Manchester Crown Court charged with conspiracy to possess a prohibited firearm and possession of ammunition. He was remanded to return to court on April 15.
Last night, two other people were arrested as part of the investigation, in a raid in Grange-over-Sands.
A 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply firearms and a woman aged 43 was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Both were further arrested in relation to drugs offences.
They remain in custody for questioning.
Last week, two other suspects, a 30-year-old man and a 47-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of conspiring to supply firearms. They were released on bail.
Richard Harrison, NCA regional head of investigations, said: “This has been a fast-paced investigation which has involved the help of Cumbria police and other agencies, to whom we are very grateful for their assistance.
“Tackling the threat of firearms is a top priority for the agency in its mission to protect the public.”
The investigation continues.
