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Hidden cameras foil Liverpool gang's gun smuggling plot Hidden cameras foil Liverpool gang's gun smuggling plot
(about 4 hours later)
A gang's attempt to smuggle guns into the UK via the dark web was foiled when detectives replaced the weapons for hidden cameras. A gang's attempt to smuggle guns into the UK via the dark web was foiled when detectives replaced the weapons with hidden cameras.
Josh Ali, 25, Joseph Halsall and Daniel Humphries, both 23, ordered the semi-automatic pistols from the US.Josh Ali, 25, Joseph Halsall and Daniel Humphries, both 23, ordered the semi-automatic pistols from the US.
US Homeland Security officers spotted the weapons hidden in a guitar amp and contacted Merseyside Police.US Homeland Security officers spotted the weapons hidden in a guitar amp and contacted Merseyside Police.
The men were jailed on Friday after they were filmed opening the parcel at Halsall's Liverpool home.The men were jailed on Friday after they were filmed opening the parcel at Halsall's Liverpool home.
Halsall of Newsham Drive, Tuebrook, Humphries, of Waltham Road, Anfield, and Ali of Montrose Road, Tuebrook, were each sentenced to eight years and eight months for firearms offences at Liverpool Crown Court.Halsall of Newsham Drive, Tuebrook, Humphries, of Waltham Road, Anfield, and Ali of Montrose Road, Tuebrook, were each sentenced to eight years and eight months for firearms offences at Liverpool Crown Court.
All three pleaded guilty to:All three pleaded guilty to:
Det Supt John Webster said: "Thankfully these three men are now behind bars thanks to the fantastic efforts of a team of officers."Det Supt John Webster said: "Thankfully these three men are now behind bars thanks to the fantastic efforts of a team of officers."
He said the case sent out a "strong message" to those involved in gun crime.He said the case sent out a "strong message" to those involved in gun crime.
"These three men conspired to import potentially lethal weapons onto the streets of Merseyside," he added."These three men conspired to import potentially lethal weapons onto the streets of Merseyside," he added.
"Weapons are not toys and in the wrong hands can cause serious injury or even death to the offenders using them, and more importantly to innocent members of the public who may be nearby.""Weapons are not toys and in the wrong hands can cause serious injury or even death to the offenders using them, and more importantly to innocent members of the public who may be nearby."