A gunman believed to be linked to inner-city Birmingham gangs has been jailed after armed police discovered a loaded revolver at the petrol station where he worked. Sultan Arif, 33, of Clent Hill Drive, Rowley Regis, admitted possession of the revolver and ammunition and was sentenced to six years in prison at Birmingham Crown Court on Thursday, June 11.
Armed Police Raid at Petrol Station
West Midlands Police conducted a raid at the Gulf Petrol Station in Saltley on January 15, 2020, resulting in the recovery of multiple weapons. Firearms officers found a stun gun, a sawn-off shotgun, and ammunition in addition to the revolver. The sawn-off shotgun was discovered in a black rucksack hidden in the boot of a black Vauxhall Vectra parked next to the forecourt. It was loaded with two live cartridges, while a third live cartridge and five used ones were found inside the car.
The revolver linked to Arif was stashed between two water butts on the forecourt and was loaded with four rounds of ammunition. Officers also found more shotgun cartridges hidden on the forecourt, along with a stun gun in a fire extinguisher box.
Previous Convictions and Gang Links
Arif, who has a previous conviction for possession of a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition, was well-known to police and believed to have close ties to gang crime in the Alum Rock and Washwood Heath areas of Birmingham. Following the sentencing, a police spokesperson stated: "Arif is well-known to police and is someone who we believe has links to gang criminality in the Alum Rock and Washwood Heath areas of Birmingham. He’s someone who poses a significant risk to the community, but this investigation has led to the recovery of firearms and ammunition and put him behind bars for a considerable time. We’re relentless in our fight against serious and organised crime."
Impact on Community Safety
The seizure of these weapons and the jailing of Arif represent a significant step in reducing gun crime in Birmingham. The police operation underscores the ongoing efforts to combat gang-related violence and remove dangerous firearms from the streets. The recovery of multiple loaded weapons highlights the risks posed by individuals linked to organised crime, and the successful prosecution demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement to public safety.
