A man attempting to smuggle eight firearms into the UK has been sentenced to eight years and three months in prison.
Gerard Dagnall, 33, of Scarisbrick Drive, Walton, Liverpool, was apprehended at the Port of Dover in Kent on July 15, 2024. National Crime Agency (NCA) officers discovered eight revolvers concealed in his car.
Smuggling Operation
Dagnall admitted to importing the firearms and claimed he believed they were antiques. He alleged that he planned to gift some to a friend and sell the rest.
The unemployed smuggler stated he purchased the revolvers for €3,400 from a business in Holmbeek, just north of Brussels, which refused to ship them to the UK due to strict border checks. Undeterred, Dagnall renewed his passport to travel abroad and attempted to bring the prohibited weapons into the country himself.
Additional Discovery
During a search of Dagnall’s home, officers uncovered an illegal 3D-printed firearm. Although not fully functional, its possession further compounded the charges against him.
Dagnall pleaded guilty to importing firearms with lethal potential and possession of the 3D-printed weapon. He was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court.
Official Statements
Rachel Bramley, NCA operations manager, emphasized the gravity of the crime:
“The NCA works with partners at home and abroad to protect the public from the criminal use of firearms. Gun smuggling is an extremely serious offence and weapons of this type in criminal hands bring significant danger to our communities. Ignorance of the law is no defence.”
Community Safety
This case underscores the collaborative efforts between UK authorities and international partners in tackling firearms smuggling and ensuring public safety.
The revolvers seized in this operation will not pose a threat to the community, and the conviction serves as a strong deterrent to others attempting similar crimes.
