A Plumstead man involved in an illegal gun exchange in Sidcup has been sentenced to five years in prison. Mojtab Moradi, 37, from Plumstead, was caught by officers from the Organised Crime Partnership along with Robert Reading, 50, from Rochester.
The incident occurred in September 2022 when a minicab carrying Moradi was stopped on Days Lane in Sidcup. Moradi had been seen leaving an alley near an Indian restaurant on Maidstone Road, carrying several bags, including one from Primark, and placing them in the boot of the minicab.
A thorough search of the vehicle uncovered a 0.22 inch calibre Rimfire double-barrelled Derringer Pistol, which was concealed under a tea towel, and rounds of ammunition in a toiletry bag inside the Primark carrier. DNA evidence linked Reading to the firearm.
Reading’s vehicle had also been observed in the area shortly before the arrest. Additionally, Moradi was found with 16 wraps of crack cocaine in his pockets. As he was detained, two burner-style Nokia mobile phones fell from the car where he had been sitting.
On the same day, Kent Police searched Reading’s address in Castle Street, Wouldham, and discovered a Birmingham single-barrel sawn-off shotgun in the loft.
Moradi admitted to firearm possession, possession of ammunition, and possession of Class A drugs (cocaine) at Woolwich Crown Court on October 3, 2022. Reading confessed to two counts of firearm possession at Maidstone Crown Court in April 2022.
Moradi received a five-year sentence on May 21 at Inner London Crown Court, while Reading was sentenced to six-and-a-half years on April 24 at the same court.
Andrew Tickner, from the Organised Crime Partnership, stated, “Moradi and Reading were caught with deadly weapons which had the potential to inflict serious violence and instil fear on our streets. Such illegal firearms have no place in the UK and often end up in the hands of organised criminals, who use them to enforce their operations. We’re grateful for the assistance of Kent Police and remain committed to protecting the public by combating the supply of drugs and firearms into London and the South East.”
This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to crack down on the illegal supply of firearms and drugs, ensuring public safety and the prevention of organised crime.
