Gun runner Darnell Matthews locked up for over six years after deadly weapons sting
Weapons haul uncovered in Wembley
Darnell Matthews, 23, from Harrow Road, Wembley, pleaded guilty to importing four firearms and possessing a knife. On Tuesday, 18 October, Harrow Crown Court sentenced him to six years and three months behind bars.
Officers were first tipped off on Friday, 13 May, when a package linked to Matthews was found. Inside was a loaded Ruger handgun with five bullets. The Met’s Specialist Crime Command quickly made the weapon safe.
More guns seized in joint Border Force operation
A joint swoop involving Border Force followed. Police intercepted a Glock loaded with 11 bullets and a loaded Sig-Sauer pistol, all tied to Matthews.
Arrest and found with a lock knife
Matthews was arrested on Monday, 27 June during a planned raid. Officers searched him and found a lock knife on his person. He was charged and put in custody.
Evidence leaves Matthews no way out
Investigators uncovered transaction records proving Matthews paid for the firearms, forcing him to admit guilt.
Detective Constable George Gorman said: “Matthews was intent on bringing incredibly dangerous weapons into our country, weapons which no doubt would have ended up in the hand of criminals and caused violence on our streets.”
“We are working tirelessly to identify and target those who cause this kind of harm in society and are doing everything in our power to make the streets a hostile place for those transporting firearms.”
“We can reduce gun crime far quicker if people provide us with information about where firearms are being stored and who they are being used by. If you do not want to report to us, you can contact Crimestoppers which is 100 per cent anonymous and independent of police.”
