Plumstead Man Jailed for Sidcup Gun Sting
A Plumstead man has been locked up for five years after being caught in an illegal gun exchange in Sidcup. Mojtab Moradi, 37, was arrested alongside Robert Reading, 50, from Rochester, following a police crackdown by the Organised Crime Partnership.
Minicab Sting Uncovers Hidden Weapons
The drama unfolded in September 2022 when officers stopped a minicab on Days Lane, Sidcup. Moradi was seen dumping several bags—including one from Primark—into the boot after leaving an alley near an Indian restaurant on maidstone/" title="Maidstone" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Maidstone Road.
A vehicle search revealed a concealed 0.22 calibre Rimfire double-barrel Derringer pistol hidden under a tea towel. Ammunition was found stashed in a toiletry bag inside the Primark carrier. DNA matched Reading to the firearm. Notably, Reading’s car had been spotted nearby just before 123 phones fell out of the vehicle where he had been sitting.
More Weapons Found at Reading’s Home
kent.police.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="Kent Police" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Kent Police searched Reading’s house in Castle Street, Wouldham, the same day. They uncovered a Birmingham single-barrel sawn-off shotgun tucked away in the loft, further linking him to serious firearm offences.
Guilty Pleas Lead to Heavy Sentences
Moradi pleaded guilty to firearm possession, ammo possession, and Class A drug charges (cocaine) at Woolwich Crown Court in October 2022. Reading admitted to two counts of firearm possession at Maidstone Crown Court earlier that year.
On May 21, Moradi was sentenced to five years at Inner London Crown Court. Reading received six and a half years on April 24, served at the same court.
“Moradi and Reading were caught with deadly weapons that could cause serious harm and spread fear on our streets,” said Andrew Tickner of the Organised Crime Partnership. “Illegal firearms have no place in the UK and often end up with organised crime gangs. We thank Kent Police and remain dedicated to stopping the flow of drugs and guns into London and the South East.”
Ongoing Crackdown on Crime
This case is a stark reminder of ongoing law enforcement efforts to disrupt illegal firearms and drug supply chains, keeping communities safer and tackling organised crime head-on.
