National Crime Agency seizes gun being imported from the US to NI - Co Antrim man charged

National Crime Agency officers arrested 38-year-old Christopher Scott on Tuesday in Ballymoney, in an operation that was supported by the PSNI.

A quantity of class C drugs was also recovered during the operation.

The Sig Sauer weapon, along with magazines and ammunition, had been found by Border Force officers carrying out checks on incoming mail at an international depot near Stanstead Airport in Essex.

It was recovered from a parcel sent from the US containing computer parts.

Scott, of Frosses Road, Ballymoney, has now been charged with attempting to import a firearm, two charges relating to the attempted possession of a firearm, and possessing class C drugs with intent to supply.

He is due to appear before Ballymena Magistrates’ Court.

A 29-year-old man arrested by the NCA at the same time has been released pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service.

NCA Belfast branch commander David Cunningham said: “This operation has prevented a deadly firearm from reaching the streets of County Antrim.

“Working with partners like the PSNI and Border Force we are determined to do all we can to stop those who want to bring violence into our communities.”