Stansted Airport pistol imported from Florida seized

Two drug dealers who attempted to acquire a handgun have been jailed following a National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation.

The Taurus self-loading pistol was intercepted and seized by Border Force officers at Stansted Airport on July 27, 2023.

It was hidden inside the packaging for a metallic safe box, along with two empty 9mm magazines.

McNeil Colly, 48, from south London, and Keston Redhead, 35, an asylum seeker from Trinidad and Tobago, were found guilty of importation of a firearm and conspiracy to import class A drugs following a seven-week trial.

Colly also admitted to possession of cannabis with intent to supply at an earlier court hearing.

Both appeared at Kingston Crown Court today and a judge sentenced them both to 17 years’ imprisonment.

Redhead will be deported after serving his sentence, the NCA confirmed.

Following the pistol being seized, NCA officers found the intended delivery address, a derelict property in south London, and the name on the shipping label was fictitious.

Enquiries revealed the package had been shipped from the USA and was tracked using its unique shipping number by Colly’s IP address, leading officers to his home in the Streatham area of London.

A few days later the pair was stopped by officers with a parcel containing half a kilo of cocaine concealed within a wooden desk organiser, which had been imported from Trinidad.

After the arrest of Colly and Redhead, police analysed messages, revealing the illegal activity.

A search was conducted at Colly's Streatham flat and a samurai sword, machete and crossbow were found in his bedroom.

Officers also seized eight kilos of cannabis and drug supply paraphernalia including a mechanical press and weighing scales.

NCA Senior Investigating Officer Chris Hill said: "Colly and Redhead conspired to import harmful drugs and a self-loading pistol into the UK, using false names and delivery addresses in their attempt to evade detection.

"Our successful investigation has resulted in the seizure of a deadly firearm and class A drugs, and the imprisonment of two organised criminals.

"The impact of gun and drug crime on our communities is devastating. We are committed to stopping the availability of lethal weapons to the criminal underworld and intercepting drugs before they reach street-level dealers".

Specialist Prosecutor Caroline Hughes of the CPS said: "Keston Redhead and McNeil Colly compromised public safety by importing drugs and a firearm into the country.

"Thanks to the work of the National Crime Agency after the gun was seized at Stansted Airport, we were able to build a strong case against them which proved their crucial roles in arranging the importation of class A drugs and a firearm into the UK resulting in their convictions following a trial".