Student snared smuggling ‘ gun’
AS T U D E N T t r i e d arranging to bring a deadly f i rearm into Scotland – unaware he was being tracked. Ryan Bonner, 19, was snared after US law enforcement control intercepted a parcel addressed to chef Jonathan Paxton in November 2019.
A judge heard how a Glock- 19 pistol was discovered.
A replacement “placebo package” was then instead delivered before an unwitting Bonner collected it days later.
A secret recording device also been placed inside.
Prosecutor Blair Speed told the High Court in Glasgow: “He can be heard making reference to hiding guns.
“When speaking at another, he said: ‘ I am telling you – once I get it out the box, I’ll put it in a bag.
“‘ Once I know there is no tracking devices in the box, tomorrow, we will move it somewhere.’” had
But, when police stopped him at his home in Inverkip, Inverclyde, Bonner denied any knowledge of firearms.
Mr Speed said: “He explained that he had gone to pick up what he assumed was a car part.”
The court was told the Glock was in good condition and fully operational.
The home of 20- year- old Paxton in Largs was also searched.
Paxton said he had only agreed to “something” being sent to him as he had been “very drunk” when chatting to Bonner.
Police went on to find 343 ecstasy tablets valued at £ 3430.
Bonner yesterday pleaded guilty to attempting to have in his possession a prohibited weapon.
Paxton meantime admitted being concerned in the supply of ecstasy.
Lord Armstrong adjourned the case until February 5 in Edinburgh.
NCA operations manager John McGowan of the Organised Crime Partnership ( Scotland) said: “This operation prevented a deadly firearm and a quantity of illegal drugs from reaching the streets of Scotland.
“The Organised Crime Partnership brings together specialist officers and capabilities from the NCA and Police Scotland, and enables us to protect the people of Scotland from threats that come from well beyond our shores.”
Tomorrow, we will move it somewhere