Anti-gang police find AK47 and 160 rounds of ammunition in east London property

A man and woman from east London have been sentenced for a string of firearm and drug offences, after an AK47 assault rifle and 160 rounds of ammunition were found at one of their properties.

Ayiab Mahmood, 33, of Warwall Road in Newham, was given 12 years in prison while co-defendant Toni Gibbons, 28, of Bisson Road, also in Newham, was handed a two-year suspended sentence.

The pair were arrested after officers from the Met Police's Trident anti-gang unit executed a search warrant at Mahmood's home address in September.

During the search, officers recovered three firearms – an AK47 assault rifle, a semi-automatic handgun and a revolver – along with more than 160 rounds of ammunition.

Officers also recovered nearly two kilograms of cocaine, which varied in purity between 80 and 90%, and around £55,000 in cash.

Police say the weapons were destined for "London's criminal fraternity including those involved in gang violence".

The pair were sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Monday (12 December).

Mahmood pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing a prohibited firearm, possessing a prohibited weapon, possessing expanded ammunition, possessing ammunition without a firearm certificate, possessing a Class A drug with intent, possessing criminal property and being concerned in supplying Class A drugs.

Gibbons pleaded guilty to possessing criminal property and being concerned in supplying Class A drug.

Detective Inspector Steve Meechan, of the Trident and Area Crime Command, said: "This was a complex investigation, driven by a wealth of intelligence sourced and secured by Trident officers, targeting organised criminal gangs actively involved in the illegal supply of firearms.

"The high-powered weapons and ammunition recovered in this case were destined for London's criminal fraternity including those involved in gang violence. I have no doubt that removing them from circulation has prevented death or serious injury.

"Trident officers will continue to work tirelessly with our partners to disrupt and detect such criminality.

"The substantial custodial sentence handed down to this defendant today, should act as a significant deterrent to those involved in all aspects of gang-related crime."