'GUN CITY' Two men in same London court over separate possession of firearms charges on same day

A MAN today appeared in court charged with multiple offences including being in possession of a submachine gun in north London.

Azeem Ahktar, 29, of Cooper Road in Willesden, north west London, was stopped in his vehicle by the Met’s Violent Crime Taskforce on Thursday evening.

A police spokesman said he appeared in custody at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday charged with being in possession of a prohibited Scorpion submachine gun which was less than 60cm and possession of class A and B drugs including cannabis and heroin with intent to supply.

Ahktar was also accused of acquiring, using or possessing criminal property in regards to a substantive cash seizure estimated in the region of £200,000.

He was remanded to appear at Harrow Crown Court next month.

Two other men, aged 29 and 30, have been bailed pending further inquiries.

Separately, Albert Shahu, 32, from the White City Estate, in Hammersmith, west London, was due to appear at the same court today.

In an unconnected case, he was charged with possession of a firearm of less than 30 cm.

It is alleged that on Thursday he was also found in possession of a handgun at Queensway tube station in Bayswater.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Southwark Crown Court next month.