CONVICTIONS SECURED IN AN IMPORTATION OF FIREARM AND DRUG CONSPIRACY

Charles Drinnan was led in the successful prosecution of a delivery driver and an asylum seeker who attempted to acquire a handgun in the post and imported commercial quantities of Class A drugs.

The Taurus self-loading pistol was intercepted and seized by Border Force officers at Stansted Airport. It was hidden inside the packaging for a metallic safe box, along with two empty 9mm magazines. Analysis of messaging data on the defendants' phones evidenced both men were involved in importing the handgun, as well as large amounts of cocaine, from the USA and Trinidad respectively. Officers also seized eight kilos of cannabis, and drug supply paraphernalia including a mechanical press and weighing scales. The defendants used insider knowledge within the international fast parcel industry and criminal contacts overseas in the commission of the offences. 

Their convictions followed a 7-week trial at Kingston Crown Court. The men were sentenced this week to 17 years’ and 17 years’ 3 months’ custody.  

The case was investigated by the National Crime Agency. Charles was instructed by Caroline Hughes, specialist prosecutor of Crown Prosecution Service’s Serious Economic Organised Crime and International Directorate (SEOCID).

Media: NCA