Six Jailed Over Major London Ammunition Ring
Six criminals involved in a massive ammunition smuggling and sales racket in London have been locked up for a combined 77.5 years. The verdict came down at Croydon Crown Court on Thursday, 30 May.
Key Players Behind the Illegal Ammo Trade
- Manfred Kurz, 61, Croydon: Sentenced to 7½ years. Previously pleaded guilty to multiple firearms and explosives charges dating back to 2018.
- Sierra Denton, 31, South Norwood: Jailed for 9 years after admitting conspiracy to sell ammo and possession of Class A drugs.
- Lorenzo Brooks, 29, Catford: Stabbed with a huge 20-year sentence following a March 2018 conviction linked to illegal weapons sales.
- Sian Alexandra Miller, 25, South Norwood: Got 15 years for conspiracy to sell ammunition.
- Lukas Duncan, 22, Surbiton: Also 15 years for conspiracy to sell ammunition.
- Mishak Wright-Martin, 34, Kennington: Received 11 years for conspiracy to trade ammunition.
How The Scheme Unraveled
The saga kicked off when Manfred Kurz, a German ex-army man and firearms enthusiast, moved to the UK in 2004. Using his German firearms licence, Kurz bought vast amounts of ammo and smuggled it into London.
His niece, Sian Miller, spotted the cash potential in selling the ammo to London’s criminals. Together, they distributed hundreds of rounds for profit.
Police struck on 5 February 2018, raiding Miller’s home and seizing 1,800 rounds, two pistols, five banned CS sprays, and bullet-making materials.
Kurz was arrested the same day during a follow-up search that uncovered 20kg of explosive black powder and more ammunition components.
Detectives linked accomplices Lorenzo Brooks and Lukas Duncan to the conspiracy, leading to their arrests. A further raid on Sierra Denton’s home netted another huge ammo haul and drugs, implicating her boyfriend Mishak Wright-Martin.
Police Praise "Expert" Detective Work
Detective Constable Martin Reader of Trident and Area Crime Command said: "I’m pleased these offenders have received heavy sentences reflecting the seriousness of their crimes. This seizure is one of the Metropolitan Police’s largest recent hauls of ammunition and explosives.
The sheer scale of ammo destined for gang use is terrifying. Thankfully, swift police action stopped this deadly weaponry hitting London’s streets.
Their actions have saved lives and brought dangerous criminals to justice, putting community safety first over greed."
