British police Wednesday morning arrested more than 50 people in a series of raids to crack down on criminals who buy illegal arms from abroad over the internet.

Scotland Yard said they also seized more than 20 weapons including two shotguns, two handguns, air rifles, ammunition and CS gas.

Most of the 43 police forces in England and Wales took part in the raids, which targeted more than 200 suspects.

Possession of an illegal firearm carries a minimum jail sentence of five years in Britain.

"People must learn that it is still an offense to possess stun guns and CS gas in this country, even though they have been acquired abroad," said Alan Green, from the Association of Chief Police Officers.

Source: Xinhua