Two men from Enfield have been jailed for possessing a Magnum handgun.
Both men received a total of 16 years in prison at Wood Green Crown Court on Wednesday, 23 March.
Damian Williams, 23 of Enfield was sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment for possession with intent to supply class A drugs, possession of a prohibited firearm and possession of ammunition.
UK Cypriot Angelo Michael, 30 of Enfield was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for possession of the prohibited firearm.
On 26 February 2015, a car was stopped in Wellington Road, Enfield, by unarmed police officers from the Enfield Gangs Unit.
Williams was in the driver’s seat and under the front passenger seat officers found a .357 Magnum Colt handgun, 20 rounds of live ammunition and a quantity of heroin and cocaine.
Williams was immediately arrested and the gun sent for forensic examination.
DNA recovered from the gun linked the weapon to Michael.
Subsequent enquires showed that both Williams and Michael had been making efforts to buy spare parts for the weapon.
Williams admitted responsibility for the drugs, but denied any knowledge of the gun; Michael also denied any link to the weapon
However both were convicted after a seven day trial.
Detective Constable Peter Burdis of Enfield Gangs units said:
“These men were found guilty of possessing an extremely powerful handgun. The use of this weapon would almost certainly have had fatal consequences.
“The removal of this gun from the hands of criminals has undoubtedly made our community safer.
“Those engaged in armed criminality or gang activity should get the message; you will be found, you will be arrested and you will spend years in prison.”