Blackpool man charged after trying to smuggle Kalashnikov rifle and 9mm hand gun into UK

A 30-year-old Blackpool man has been charged for attempting to smuggle firearms into the UK.
By Matthew Calderbank
Published 20th Mar 2020, 10:09 BST
Updated 20th Mar 2020, 10:12 BST
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Stephen Dema, 30, has been charged with seven offences following the seizure of two firearms - an AKM Kalashnikov rifle and a Zoraki 9mm hand gun - and over 200 rounds of ammunition and cannabis.

NCA (National Crime Agency) investigators arrested Derma on Wednesday (March 18) after the weapons were discovered by Border Force officers carrying out checks on UK-bound vehicles in Coquelles, near Calais, in France.

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The seizure was referred to the NCA who launched an investigation into the alleged importation of firearms.

A 30-year-old man from Blackpool has been charged with seven offences following the seizure of an Kalashnikov rifle and a 9mm hand gun, as well as over 200 rounds of ammunition and cannabis. Pic: NCAA 30-year-old man from Blackpool has been charged with seven offences following the seizure of an Kalashnikov rifle and a 9mm hand gun, as well as over 200 rounds of ammunition and cannabis. Pic: NCA
A 30-year-old man from Blackpool has been charged with seven offences following the seizure of an Kalashnikov rifle and a 9mm hand gun, as well as over 200 rounds of ammunition and cannabis. Pic: NCA

Dema has now been charged with the following offences:

- Importation of firearms

- Possession of a firearm x2

- Importation and possession of ammunition

This Zoraki 9mm hand gun was discovered by Border Force officers carrying out checks on UK-bound vehicles in Coquelles, France. Pic: NCAThis Zoraki 9mm hand gun was discovered by Border Force officers carrying out checks on UK-bound vehicles in Coquelles, France. Pic: NCA
This Zoraki 9mm hand gun was discovered by Border Force officers carrying out checks on UK-bound vehicles in Coquelles, France. Pic: NCA

- Possession of cannabis

- Possession of cannabis resin

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NCA head of regional investigations, Andrea Wilson, said: "Gun crime in the UK remains fairly low compared to other parts of the world but we know that criminals here use these weapons to intimidate and incite serious violence.

"Tackling the firearms threat is a priority for the National Crime Agency.

"Despite the coronavirus pandemic, we remain focused on leading the UK’s fight against serious and organised crime and preventing illegal firearms getting into the hands of criminals.

"Our investigation into this seizure continues."