Man Caught with Sawn-Off Shotgun in Kent Van
A 23-year-old man has admitted to possessing a sawn-off shotgun after police found the deadly weapon during a vehicle stop in Kent.
Shotgun and Ammo Found in Transit Van
Tyler Tanner, from Dartford, pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court on Friday, 23 October, to a firearms offence. He faces sentencing on 14 December.
The drama unfolded on 17 June when Tanner and another man were driving a white transit van to a cul-de-sac in Longfield, Kent. After parking, Tanner returned carrying an orange carrier bag and sat back in the passenger seat.
Police Followed and Stopped Van in Meopham
Specialist officers, backed by armed units, tracked the van as part of an intelligence-led probe. They pulled the vehicle over nearby in Meopham, Kent.
A search revealed the orange bag sitting in the passenger footwell. Inside was a two-barrel firearm and another bag containing around 40 shotgun cartridges. The weapon was made safe and confirmed as a sawn-off shotgun after testing.
Police Praise Community in Fight Against Gun Crime
Tanner and the driver, aged 27, were arrested on suspicion of firearm possession and taken to a south London police station. Tanner was charged later that day.
Detective Inspector Stephen Masterson, Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “This investigation led to a dangerous weapon being taken off the streets. Each shotgun cartridge seized had the terrifying potential to seriously injure or kill. “Tackling violence remains the Met’s top priority. Removing firearms from the streets, stopping their supply and transport, and catching those who handle deadly weapons is crucial. “However, we cannot win this fight alone. I urge anyone with information on violent crime to contact police or Crimestoppers if you want to stay anonymous.”
