In a significant crackdown on violent crime, four men have been collectively sentenced to 52 years in prison following a dramatic intervention by Scotland Yard’s armed officers. The gang, including Jamal Francis, Jarell McKenzie, Gregton Bower, and James Rowland, were apprehended in Deptford, southeast London, with a loaded gun and three large knives in their possession.
The operation, dubbed “Operation Chanco,” culminated on June 1 last year when police marksmen executed a hard stop on a minicab on Cranbrook Road, Deptford. Despite attempts to flee, all four passengers were eventually detained, revealing the dangerous arsenal they carried.
Jamal Francis, 21, from Catford, was caught inside the minicab alongside a loaded handgun and a large knife concealed in his clothing. Jarell McKenzie, 20, from Brockley, was apprehended following a foot chase, found with another large knife and cannabis. Gregton Bower, 19, also from Brockley, discarded a samurai sword during his attempt to evade arrest and was found with cannabis when caught. James Rowland, 21, from Brockley, evaded capture initially but was arrested three weeks later following extensive CCTV and forensic investigations.
At Woolwich Crown Court, Francis received a 16-year sentence for possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. McKenzie was sentenced to nine years, Bower to 13 years, and Rowland to 14 years for their roles in the crime. Francis, McKenzie, and Bower also admitted to possession of the weapons upon their arrest.
Detective Chief Inspector Lewis Sanderson, from the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime unit, emphasized the gravity of the offenses, stating, “These sentences reflect the seriousness of the men’s offences. They were traveling in a car with a gun and numerous large knives. Thankfully, we will never know the harm they would have inflicted that day, but it seems reasonable to speculate that this investigation and these arrests could well have saved a life.
The successful operation underscores the Metropolitan Police’s commitment to removing weapons from the streets and the ongoing efforts to ensure public safety. DCI Sanderson urged the public to come forward with any information related to violent crimes, highlighting the crucial role community intelligence plays in preventing violence and apprehending those intent on causing harm.
The conviction of Francis, McKenzie, Bower, and Rowland serves as a stern warning to individuals engaged in violent activities, with the authorities determined to take decisive action against those posing a threat to the community. The Lewisham area, and London as a whole, are safer with these individuals behind bars, as the Metropolitan Police continue their fight against violent crime in the capital.
