The discovery in an outbuilding of a Thornton Heath business of a pistol, of a kind used by the police in Europe, led to the arrest and conviction for drug-dealing of Mark Kerwick.
Deadly weapon: the Glock pistol, found in a Thornton Heath dry cleaners
Kerwick, 33, from the Shrublands Estate in Shirley, was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment at Croydon Crown Court last month.
Kerwick was found guilty of possession of a firearm and distributing Class B drugs.
Detective Constable Samuel Cafferty, from the Specialist Crime Command, who led the investigation, said: “Drugs have a devastating impacts on communities and it goes without saying that guns such as these can cause serious violence an irreparable damage.
“Our team collaborates with local officers to dismantle firearm-related crimes in Croydon. The swift action taken by the officers demonstrates our dedication to maintaining public safety and combating criminal activity within London.
“To further enhance our efforts, we have also increased patrols in high-risk areas serving as a visible deterrent to potential offenders and reassuring the public of their safety. If you have any questions, please speak to local officers who will be happy to hear from you.”
Time: Mark Kerwick was sentenced to five years
Kerwick’s arrest dates back to October 2020, when a dry cleaners in Thornton Heath was raided. During the search of an outbuilding in the backyard of the premises, a converted Glock pistol capable of fully automatic fire was found in a black zip up pouch.
Kerwick claimed he had picked up the gun in 2016 or 2017 but had only held it for about five seconds. Forensic investigation by Met officers found Kerwick’s DNA on the trigger and working parts of the pistol, as well as internal components.
Glocks are standard issue to police in Austria. It is reckoned that least 20million of the weapons have been manufactured.
As part of the investigation, specialist officers also analysed the contents of Kerwick’s phone and discovered he had been supplying cannabis to friends and family.
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