Gun Found in Wardrobe After NCA Raid
Ishtiaq Shah, 22, was busted in January 2020 when National Crime Agency (NCA) officers raided his family home. The search uncovered a loaded revolver hidden in a sports bag tucked away in a bedroom wardrobe.
Deadly Weapon Traced Back to Czech Republic
Forensic experts identified the gun as a Turkish-made ZORAKI Streamer R1-C, capable of firing live 6mm rounds from its 9-chamber cylinder. The serial number and other identifying marks had been deliberately erased to avoid detection, but investigators traced the weapon’s origin to the Czech Republic.
Shah Claims It Was a BB Gun – But DNA and Evidence Say Otherwise
Under custody, Shah told police a mate had given him the gun, which he thought was a legal BB gun. He initially denied ever firing it, but later admitted to shooting inside his house and swapping spent rounds for new ones. His DNA was found on the revolver, tying him directly to the weapon.
Guilty of Possession, But Not Intent to Harm
Shah pleaded guilty to possessing the firearm and ammo. However, after a three-day trial, he was cleared of possessing the gun with intent to endanger life.
Martin Matthews, NCA Investigations Manager, said: “This investigation recovered a lethal firearm that was ready to fire live rounds and potentially cause death and serious injury. These guns are not easy to get and can fetch up to £2,500 on the black market, showing serious criminality behind its presence.
“The NCA works relentlessly to prevent criminals from getting firearms and to target those who use them to spread violence and fear in communities.”
