A man arrested for carrying an offensive weapon in Birmingham led police to uncover a £1 million illicit tobacco factory. West Midlands Police stated that the initial stop prompted multiple property searches, resulting in four individuals being convicted of conspiring to defraud and cheat the public revenue. They are currently awaiting sentencing.
This incident is part of the broader success of Operation Fearless, a police initiative that has been active for one year in Birmingham’s Southside. The operation expanded from Erdington to Southside in late April 2025. Over the past year, it has resulted in more than 300 arrests and over 500 stop-and-search actions, leading to the recovery of dozens of weapons.
Impact on Southside
Upon arrival in Southside—an area encompassing The Arcadian, Chinese Quarter, Gay Village, and parts of Grand Central—officers identified key issues including organized crime, drug supply, and anti-social behavior. Up to 60 individuals were spoken to regarding anti-social behavior, and eight were dealt with for breaching a Public Space Protection Order that prohibits street drinking.
In another case, a one-mile foot chase led to the recovery of a knife and the arrest and charge of a suspect. Additionally, two people were convicted of breaching slavery and trafficking risk orders, receiving sentences of over two years in prison. Police also recovered more than 400 cannabis plants from an address, resulting in four men being convicted for drug supply and imprisoned for up to three years. Furthermore, around £12,000 worth of cannabis was seized, leading to a man being convicted of drug supply and assault and jailed for over two years.
Crime Reduction Statistics
The operation has contributed to significant decreases in crime: knife-related incidents and anti-social behavior calls dropped by nearly 20 percent, while robberies reduced by almost a third in Southside.
The Fearless team also focused on protecting vulnerable individuals, collaborating with the Serious and Organised Crime and Exploitation team to target those running brothels and help shut down indoor sex venues.
Detective Chief Inspector John Askew, from Operation Fearless, commented: “The team has achieved so much in a very busy year in Southside—and we’re delighted to see the difference our presence has made. Some of the crime in the area presented new challenges, which led to several long and complex investigations that often stemmed from proactive patrols and searches. As well as our work in Southside, we’ve maintained our presence in Erdington and supported colleagues across the force—and this will continue.”
