A Brighton lorry driver arrested after a guns and hand grenades were found underneath a lorry yesterday has been released while enquiries continue.
Officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA) swooped on the lorry on the Rosier Business Park in Billingshurst yesterday lunchtime.
After two plastic cases were found stuck to the bottom of the truck with magnets, a 100m cordon was thrown around the lorry and the army’s explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) team was called in.
EOD officers safely removed and opened the cases, finding inside five handguns, three hand grenades and several dozen rounds of ammunition.
NCA Branch Commander David Norris said: “This was a significant seizure of weaponry which, in criminal hands, could have caused untold damage.
“Criminal gangs use these types of weapons to bring fear and violence to our streets. We’re committed to doing all we can to stop them, and in seizing these deadly items we have made the public safer.
“I’d like to pay tribute to our colleagues from Sussex Police and the army who played such a crucial role in today’s operation. I’d also like to thank businesses in the vicinity of the Rosier Business Park for their patience in the face of considerable disruption.
“NCA officers remain on the scene and we expect them to be there much of the night. Our investigation into the source and end destination for these weapons continues.”
The driver, a man in his 40s, was released today while the investigation continues.
