Blackpool man arrested in France after allegedly trying to smuggle guns and weapons into the UK

30-year-old Stephen Dema has been charged with seven offences following the seizure of two firearms, more than 200 rounds of ammunition and cannabis.

Mr Dema, from Blackpool, was arrested by National Crime Agency (NCA) investigators in France on Wednesday after the weapons – an AKM Kalashnikov rifle and a Zoraki 9mm hand gun – were discovered by Border Force officers carrying out checks on UK-bound vehicles.

The arrest took place at Coquelles which is where the French terminal for the Channel Tunnel is located.

The seizure was referred to the NCA who launched an investigation.

Dema has now been charged with the following:

- Importation of firearms

- Possession of a firearm x2

- Importation and possession of ammunition

- Possession of cannabis

- Possession of cannabis resin

He is due to appear at Canterbury Crown Court on 20 April 2020.

NCA Head of Regional Investigations, Andrea Wilson, said: “Gun crime in the UK remains fairly low compared to other parts of the world but we know that criminals here use these weapons to intimidate and incite serious violence.”

“Tackling the firearms threat is a priority for the National Crime Agency. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, we remain focused on leading the UK’s fight against serious and organised crime and preventing illegal firearms getting into the hands of criminals.”

“Our investigation into this seizure continues.”