A man from Liverpool who attempted to smuggle eight firearms into the UK has been sentenced to eight years and three months in prison. The 33-year-old was intercepted by authorities at the Port of Dover in Kent on July 15th of this year and his vehicle was found to contain eight revolvers.
He claimed to have purchased the firearms in Belgium, believing them to be antiques and claimed his intention was to gift some to a friend and sell the remainder. However, he admitted to buying the weapons from a business in Holmbeek, Belgium, which had refused to ship them due to potential border issues.
Despite this, Gerard Dagnall renewed his passport and proceeded with the smuggling attempt. A subsequent search of his home uncovered an illegal, 3D-printed firearm, though it was not fully functional.
Dagnall pleaded guilty to importing prohibited firearms and possessing the 3D-printed weapon. He was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court.
Rachel Bramley, NCA operations manager, emphasized the agency’s commitment to public safety and its collaboration with international partners to combat firearms smuggling. She stressed the severity of gun smuggling and the potential danger posed by such weapons in criminal hands.