Deadly Revolver Found in Bedroom Wardrobe During NCA Raid
Ishtiaq Shah, 22, was busted by National Crime Agency (NCA) officers in January 2020 after a shocking discovery at his family home. A loaded revolver with nine live rounds was found hidden away in a sports bag inside a bedroom wardrobe.
Weapon Traced to Czech Republic, Serial Number Scrubbed
Forensic experts identified the gun as a Turkish-made ZORAKI Streamer R1-C, designed to fire 6mm rounds from its 9-chamber rotating cylinder. The serial number and other markings had been deliberately erased to avoid detection, but investigators confirmed its origins in the Czech Republic.
Shah’s Claims Unravel Under Pressure
Shah claimed a mate had handed him the gun days before the raid, which he thought was a harmless BB gun and legal to own. Initially, he insisted he’d never fired it. Under tough cross-examination, though, he admitted to firing shots inside his house and swapping spent bullets with extras he’d received. His DNA was also matched to the weapon.
Status of the Case and NCA Statement
The 22-year-old pleaded guilty to possessing the gun and ammo. However, after a three-day trial, Shah was cleared of the more serious charge of possessing the firearm with intent to endanger life.
“This investigation recovered a lethal firearm that was ready to fire live rounds and potentially cause death and serious injury,” said Martin Matthews, NCA Investigations Manager.
“These guns are not easy to obtain and fetch up to £2,500 on the black market, indicating serious criminal dealings involved. The NCA is committed to keeping such weapons off our streets and stopping those who use them to bring violence and fear to communities.”
