Two brothers who attempted to import dangerous firearms into the UK jailed
Two brothers who attempted to import firearms concealed in a microwave into the United kingdom have been nailed.
The investigation carried out by the Met and US Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) led to their arrest.
Edward PInk, 46, of Namba Ray close, Lambeth and Cadien Pink, 41, of Surrey, were convicted at Croydon Crown Court on Friday, 10 February, of conspiracy to possess firearms with intent to endanger life,
The duo was also convicted of conspiracy to possess ammunition with intent to endanger life.
Edward and Cadien were sentenced at the same court on Monday, 20 February, to 12 and 14 years for each count—the sentence to run concurrently.
The two brothers were intercepted on 28 June 2022 after they arranged parcel delivery from Florida to a business address in Newham. The container was scanned and contained a suspicious object.
A further search showed a microwave. Investigators discovered four loaded firearms- two Glock 19 Gen 5 Pistols, a Glock 17 Gen 5 Pistol, one Taurus G2Cpistol, and 59 rounds of ammunition with serial numbers scraped off.
A joint proactive investigation was launched after The US authorities seized the firearms and contacted the Met’s Specialist Crime Command.
Met Police arrested Edward and Cadien on 12 July 2022, charged and remanded them in custody.
According to police instigation, Cadien denied involvement even though he was confronted with his mobile communication with his US contact, who asked him to name his make, model and specification.
The police said he insisted the communication was about hair clippers and mobile barbering business.
Detective Chief Inspector Ant Jones, Specialist Crime Command, said: “The Met has fantastic working relationships with partner law enforcement agencies all over the world. It’s because of our work with our colleagues in HSI that we have successfully prevented a number of lethal weapons from falling into the wrong hands here and successfully brought to justice those who conspired to import them for use on the streets of London.
“I’ve no doubt that this partnership working means that lives will have been saved as a result.
“Firearms are inextricably linked to gangs, drugs markets and organized crime groups and we will stop at nothing to disrupt the use and supply of firearms on the streets of London.”
HSI London Attaché Tim Hemker said:“Homeland Security Investigations values its partnership with the Metropolitan Police Service, and today’s sentencings highlight the impact exemplary international collaboration can have on the safety of communities we serve.
“HSI will continue to work with international law enforcement partners to investigate and combat transnational organized crimes, like weapons smuggling, to help bring criminals to justice that seek to circumvent laws and do harm worldwide.”
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