Fake parcel snares crook who ordered firearms parts
A BIRMINGHAM drug dealer tried to smuggle Glock gun components into Britain from America but was caught after collecting a dummy package sent to him by police, a court heard.
Sohail Hussain was unaware two parcels concealing firearms parts had been intercepted by officials in the US.
Hussian, 28, arranged to have them sent to an address in Moseley where he unwittingly picked up the fake parcel put together by police and was arrested.
Hussain, of Monk Road, Alum Rock, was branded ‘‘lawless’’ by a judge, having wielded a machete above his head during a row between two families in a prior incident, whilst he also lied to police that his registration plates had been stolen after he was caught speeding.
He fled to Pakistan before being arrested upon his return and pleaded guilty to importation of firearm parts, conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, possession of a bladed article and perverting the course of justice.
He was sentenced to 11 years. Andrew Baker, prosecuting, said two parcels hiding the Glock gun parts were discovered by US officials in February 2017.
He added: “The Glock is a self-loading pistol of some reputation. It is used by law enforcement and military forces. It would have a high commercial value on the illegal market.”
The same month Hussain picked up the dummy police parcel from an address in Trafalgar Road in his Mercedes and was stopped, upon which the drugs were discovered.
The prosecutor said the machete incident occurred on Friday, May 27, 2016 when ‘‘there had been an altercation which involved two families’’. He added: “This defendant’s role was three-fold. He went to get a machete from a vehicle, which belonged to him. He brandished it then replaced it in the vehicle. There are some photographs of him wielding it above his head. It wasn’t used to hit anyone but used to intimidate.”
Judge Avik Mukherjee said: “This city is littered with illegal firearms. Deterrent sentences must be passed on you and others if you choose to become involved.”