Henri Nikolli, 19, tried to smuggle the weapon into the UK after ordering it from a US company last year. But his plan was foiled when authorities intercepted the suspicious package before it could reach Britain
A teenage drug dealer who attempted to import a handgun to his parents’ home disguised as a “canine training kit” has been jailed.
Henri Nikolli, 19, tried to smuggle the weapon into the UK after ordering it from a US company last year. But his plan was foiled when authorities intercepted the suspicious package before it could reach Britain.
Inside, officers discovered a 9mm blank-firing handgun, along with a magazine, cleaning brush and muzzle adapter. The chilling find sparked an investigation by the Organised Crime Partnership ” a joint unit between the National Crime Agency and the Metropolitan Police.
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Nikolli was arrested on 10 April outside a family property in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, as reported by NeedToKnow. When officers searched the home, they uncovered a shocking stash of weapons and drugs.
Three antique firearms had been modified to fire modern ammunition. Police also found tools used to manufacture or adapt weapons, as well as live and spent ammunition. A cannabis grow was operating inside the property, complete with a large tent, cultivated plants and dealing equipment.
Snap bags, scales and cannabis were discovered in the freezer, while seeds were found in the fridge. Further searches of Nikolli’s home and car revealed even more ammunition, knives, multiple mobile phones and SIM cards. Officers also seized a notebook containing instructions on how to manufacture or modify firearms and ammunition.
Nikolli pleaded guilty to multiple offences at St Albans Crown Court earlier this year. He was sentenced on Monday (30 March) to six years and three months behind bars.
Andrew Tickner, senior investigating officer, said: “Nikolli was clearly a sophisticated criminal who had amassed an arsenal of dangerous weapons to facilitate his drugs trade. Despite already owning three viable antique firearms he sought to import another gun which ” if he was successful ” could have done significant damage.”
Giorgina Venturella, from the Crown Prosecution Service, added: “Henri Nikolli was a teenage criminal who developed a keen interest in firearms. The evidence in this case painted a picture of an organised criminal deeply entrenched in a lawless lifestyle. Firearms, ammunition, and knives had become everyday commodities used by Nikolli in his criminal trade, posing an evident danger to local communities.”
