Edenderry phone shop owner charged with possessing eight imitation firearms
Ali Raza, a 29-year-old man, was charged with possessing eight realistic imitation firearms in a public place at his Fone Geek phone shop in Edenderry, County Offaly, on 13 November 2024. Sgt Colm Coffey of the Offaly Drugs Unit obtained a search warrant that day and seized the guns, which were modelled on semi-automatic pistols including the Beretta and had been purchased from a Dublin wholesaler. Ballistics testing confirmed each firearm's muzzle capacity was under one joule, although Coffey initially believed they exceeded that threshold. Raza was arrested at Tullamore Garda station on 7 May 2025 and appeared at Tullamore Circuit Court in June 2026, where the case was adjourned to Friday for the defence case, including Raza's own testimony.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court12 Jun
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Eight realistic imitation firearms modelled on semi-automatic pistols including the Beretta were found at the Fone Geek shop.
- Where
- The firearms were found at the Fone Geek shop at JKL Street, Edenderry, County Offaly.
- When
- The charge relates to possession of the firearms at the shop on 13 November 2024.
- Investigation
- Sgt Colm Coffey of the Offaly Drugs Unit obtained a warrant to search the shop on 13 November 2024.
- Ballistics testing found the muzzle capacity of each imitation firearm fell under one joule, although Coffey initially believed they exceeded that threshold.
- Raza was arrested at Tullamore Garda station on 7 May 2025 and interviewed.
- Charges
- Ali Raza was charged with possession of eight realistic imitation firearms in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.
- In court
- The case was heard at Tullamore Circuit Court and adjourned to Friday for the defence case, including Raza's own testimony.
- Other details
- Each gun was stored in a hard black plastic case, all closed except one left open on display.
- Raza purchased the imitation firearms from Trimex, trading as Hot Deals Wholesale Ltd, of Fashion City, Ballymount, Dublin.
12 statements extracted from the articles
- whatThe guns were modelled on semi-automatic pistols including the Beretta. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe imitation firearms were found at the Fone Geek shop at JKL Street, Edenderry. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe charge relates to possession at the shop on 13 November 2024. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationSgt Colm Coffey of the Offaly Drugs Unit obtained a warrant to search the shop on 13 November 2024. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationBallistics testing found the muzzle capacity of each imitation firearm fell under one joule. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationCoffey arrested Raza on 7 May 2025 at Tullamore Garda station where he was interviewed. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeAli Raza was charged with possession of eight realistic imitation firearms in a public place. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe case was adjourned to Friday for the defence case including evidence from Raza. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe charge also alleges Raza had the imitation firearms without lawful authority or reasonable excuse. (irishtimes.com)
- otherCoffey initially thought the firearms were over one joule. (irishtimes.com)
- otherEach gun was in a hard black plastic case, all closed except one left open on display. (irishtimes.com)
- otherRaza purchased the imitation firearms from Trimex, trading as Hot Deals Wholesale Ltd, of Fashion City, Ballymount, Dublin. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 12 Jun2026Retailer accused of possessing ‘very realistic’ imitation firearms
First appearance at Tullamore Circuit Court; Sgt Colm Coffey of the Offaly Drugs Unit gave evidence on the search and seizure; ballistics testing confirmed sub-one-joule capacity; case adjourned to Friday for defence evidence including Raza's own testimony.
accused, Ali Raza, 29, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Ali Raza