A 17-year-old has been convicted after converting blank-firing weapons into viable firearms following an investigation by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA). Zain Hussain, from Sparkbrook in Birmingham and now 19, was placed under surveillance after intelligence suggested he was linked to the purchase of blank-firing firearms and modifying them into working weapons. According to the NCA, officers saw Hussain walking down the Grand Union Canal towpath in Birmingham. He was then observed entering a wooded area and digging a hole. Armed NCA officers moved in to arrest him and found three viable firearms, ammunition, and a silver cylinder used to press bullets into cases. A large carving knife was also recovered nearby, along with ball bearings described as often used as an improvised bullet. The blank firer was said to have been converted and matched an item purchased just two days earlier. Forensic testing found Hussain’s DNA on the weapon. Investigators also reported that he had been converting the firearms off the footpath and burying equipment when it was not in use. The NCA said each converted pistol could be sold for up to £3,000 on the criminal market. Messages found on Hussain’s phone, seized during the operation, reportedly included discussion of “two Lucys” being sold, referring to three weapons at different stages of conversion. The messages also described expected earnings, with Hussain allegedly planning to sell multiple weapons. Hussain answered no comment to questions and was charged with possession of a firearm. He pleaded guilty at Birmingham Crown Court on the first day of his trial and was sentenced to four years and 11 months in prison on 17 September, the NCA said. The NCA’s remarks said the setup was not described as sophisticated, but Hussain was still creating viable deadly firearms to offer for sale to criminals.