Met Police Dog Sniffs Out AK-47 in South London Sting
Two crooks have been locked up for eight years after a police dog led officers to a stash of an AK-47 assault rifle in South London.
Umar Pervez, 23, from Croydon, and Kyal Truong-Clarke, 25, from Beckenham, were sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on Monday, August 8. They were found guilty of conspiracy to transfer and possess a firearm and ammunition. Truong-Clarke also pleaded guilty to intent to supply cannabis.
Holdall Hunt Ends with Arsenal Discovery
On August 6, 2021, Met Police, acting on a tip-off, spotted Pervez carrying a holdall on Mitcham Common. When stopped, Pervez had ditched the bag. But police weren’t fooled.
With help from the Met Taskforce and National Police Air Service, police dog Chase tracked down the holdall. Inside, officers uncovered an AK-47 assault rifle, a magazine, and rounds of ammunition.
Pervez was swiftly arrested. Investigations later revealed he had been in touch with co-accused Truong-Clarke, who inquired about selling the weapon.
Detective Chief Inspector Praises Efforts
“I have no doubt this weapon would have been used to kill or seriously injure someone on London’s streets,” said Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Masterson of the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command.
“I am relieved we have eliminated that risk. The Met’s top priority is fighting violent crime, and we’re committed to keeping the public safe. Since last year, we’ve seen a 28% drop in lethal barrel discharges.
The outcome highlights our detectives’ relentless work to bring these men to justice. We will go to any length to disrupt organised crime and stop the flow of firearms and ammunition in London.”
