ARMED & DANGEROUS: Drug supplier caught with machine gun jailed but likely to be out in four years

A DRUG supplier who was armed with a machine gun, and found with more than £200,000 in cash has been jailed for eight years - meaning he is likely to be back on the streets in less than four years.

Azeem Ahktar, 29, was stopped by officers from the Met Police violent crime task force (VCTF) who were patrolling Chapter Road, Brent, west London, on November 12 at 7pm.

In the car they discovered a large amount of heroin. A Met Police spokesman said: "Following this, officers carried out a search of Ahktar’s address where they found a Skorpion sub-machine gun; ammunition; drugs; drugs paraphernalia and a number of mobile phones.

"Ahktar was arrested and subsequently charged on Saturday, November 14."

Detective Constable Ash Harkin, the investigating officer from the Met’s Violent Crime Taskforce, said: “What started off as a proactive vehicle stop ended up leading us to a loaded firearm and many rounds of ammunition, and the stark reality is that every bullet we seize could be a life saved. “We know that drugs not only cause a misery to communities, but also drive a high proportion of violence

HAUL: Cash, the gun and heroin found in Ahktar's possession (Met Police)

we see on the streets – and we will continue to relentlessly pursue those who supply them in the capital. “This investigation involved various teams within the VCTF, working together to bring Ahktar to justice. Reducing violence remains our top priority and officers are out across London daily, removing dangerous weapons and targeting the drivers of violent crime.” Two other men were also arrested during the same vehicle stop and were released under investigation.

Ahktar, of Cooper Road, Brent, west London, pleaded guilty at Harrow Crown Court to possession of a firearm (a Skorpion sub-machine gun); possession of ammunition (94 rounds); possession of criminal property (£221,320 cash); possession with intent to supply heroin; possession with intent to supply cocaine; possession with intent to supply crack cocaine; and possession with intent to supply cannabis.

Yesterday (Friday), Ahktar, was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment at the same court.

Most prisoners serve half the sentence in prison, with the remainder outside on licence.

Taking into account time spend in jail on remand, this would be less than three and a half years to serve. The Met spokesman added: "We need information about crime or those who carry a weapon. "Community intelligence can be used to great effect to not only detect, but also prevent crime, keep London safe and save young lives. "If you don’t want to speak to the police, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. "They are a totally independent charity and you remain 100 per cent anonymous, they never ask your name and they cannot trace your call, your IP address or device you use. Alternatively, visit their website at https://crimestoppers-uk.org."