Ballistics Intelligence Key to Halt Firearm Smuggling Ring
Posted by Andre Demers on Wed, Nov 02, 2011
Last week,eight people were jailed for their part in the smuggling of illegal firearms into the UK from America. Jail sentences totaled 100 years for those involved.
Over a 12-month period, the gang was involved in smuggling a total of 13 firearms into the country, concealing them within 27 packages containing electrical equipment including DVD players and portable radios.
The investigation made extensive use of NABIS, the UK's National Ballistics Intelligence Service which is powered using IBIS Ballistics Identification technology.
Matt Lewis, Head of Knowledge and Communications for the NABIS, said: “NABIS has developed the most comprehensive knowledge base of illegal firearms and gun crime intelligence of any country in the world. Our ability to trace, track and forensically examine illegal firearms was central to the success of this investigation.
As reported by the West Yorkshire Police:
“This complex investigation has demonstrated the value of NABIS to UK Policing. By using the Forensic, Intelligence and Knowledge capabilities of this unique service NABIS was able to successfully assist West Yorkshire Police in this international investigation.
“Gun crime has a devastating impact on victims and their families. NABIS will continue to work with partners such as the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), UK police forces and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to keep illegal firearms out of the country and keep our communities safe from harm.”
Operation Lapworth, an investigation led by West Yorkshire Police supported by the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NABIS) and the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) commenced in July 2010 when two parcels, destined for two addresses in Bradford and Fagley, had been intercepted by the UK Border Agency at East Midlands Airport.
West Yorkshire Police’s Organised Crime group were alerted to the packages and search warrants were executed at the two addresses where nine people were arrested.
Tariq, Arif and Iqbal were all arrested several days later at Manchester Airport as they disembarked a flight from Morocco.
Enquiries revealed that Tariq and Arif had been the main co-ordinators of the conspiracy which began when Tariq ordered a Taser gun from an American website. The pair then purchased guns from the seller in Texas, who would break down the gun parts and conceal them within the consignments destined for addresses across Bradford. Tariq and Arif would then instruct Iqbal to collect the parcels.
Officers liaised with the US’ Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) who arrested the seller and two women in Texas for their involvement in the importation.
All three have since been dealt with by the American authorities.
In December 2010, the ATF were informed that Tariq and Arif, while on bail following their initial arrest, were continuing to contact the American seller with a view to purchasing further firearms.
Operation Lapworth 2 commenced after further packages were intercepted and destined to be delivered to two new addresses in Leeds and Pontefract and be collected by Feroz Khan.
West Yorkshire Police delivered four 'dummy' parcels to the addresses which contained deactivated parts of a gun belonging to the Force.
Tariq and Arif were re-arrested along with Feroz Khan, Akbar Sultan and two others on 7th April 2011.
Covert enquiries revealed that Tariq and Arif were in contact with Mohsin Hussain and Sakawat Shah once the firearms had arrived in the country.
On 14th April, a search warrant was executed at a pool hall in Bradford, owned by Shah. A magazine belonging to the gun sent in by West Yorkshire Police was recovered at the premises and Shah and Hussain were subsequently arrested.
Detective Inspector Gary Curnow of the Force’s Organised Crime Group, led the investigation.
He said: “While the scale of these crimes were significant, firearm importation is extremely rare. This was an unusual case involving a highly organised enterprise of criminals. Tariq and Arif demonstrated a concerning determination to continue to import weapons despite police intervention.
“This case has been a fine example of partnership working at its best, on a local, national and international scale. As a result, we have ensured an effective and robust response to this illegal and dangerous activity.
“Today marks the conclusion of a complex and challenging investigation and I am delighted with sentences passed down by the court.”