Cops catch rail worker after he orders US pistol
Lauren Crooks A deadly Glock handgun in a parcel destined for a Scottish address was intercepted by US law enforcement officers.
They found the illegal weapon hidden inside a music speaker.
Rail worker Craig Samson was put under surveillance after the seizure last March by US Homeland Security off icers, the High Court in Glasgow heard last week.
The parcel was addressed to his home in Bai l l ieston, Glasgow.
Officers then sent a similar parcel and bugged it and his house in a bid to find out who ordered the gun.
Samson was clocked signing for its delivery on his doorstep. The 33- year- old was later heard spelling out to his wife: “Quick, I think this is the G-U-N.”
He was also caught on camera peering into the speaker after trying to prise it open.
The former Virgin Rail employee is now behind bars after admitting trying to illegally import the gun.
He faces jail when sentenced next month.
US security officials had stopped a package at Newark Airport in New Jersey on March 23 last year. It contained a sub-woofer with a “fully operational” Glock stashed in it.
Police Scotland were alerted and a “placebo” package was then delivered to Samson’s home.
It contained a black cinema speaker with a “compartment” in which the f irearm was stored. Prosecutor Bill McVicar said: “Police obtained authority to carry out surveillance.
“This permitted police to use covert audio and visual recording devices concealed within the speaker inside the placebo package.”
Samson signed for the parcel in the name “John Smith” but was then heard chatting to his wife about the delivery.
After rowing with her, he drove off in his Audi Q7 with the package. He and a friend then tried to open the speaker, triggering a surveillance device.
Mr McVicar said: “On opening the compartment and looking into it, Samson was seen.”
Samson was also heard commenting “that’s class” and “where we going to go?”
He was eventually trailed leaving his mother’s house in a Volkswagen Golf. A team of nine firearms officers swooped and the vehicle was stopped in Milton, in the north of the city.
Police had to smash the car’s windows after Samson refused to unlock the doors. They then arrested him. Mr McVicar said: “His actions demonstrate he was knowingly concerned in an attempt to import a firearm.
“This was prevented by the actions of the US Homeland Security officers.”
Police went on to find £2800 of cocaine at Samson’s home. He also admitted possessing the drug.
Lady Stacey remanded him in custody for reports.
Three other people, a man aged 23 and two women, aged 22 and 23, were reported for alleged drugs offences and an alleged attempt to import a firearm.
Officers believe Samson used the dark web to order the weapon.
Detective Inspector Stuart Lipsett, from Police Scotland’s Organised Crime and Terrorism Unit, said: “Samson had no idea police were closing in.
“This operation illustrates how law enforcement agencies are working together.”