Man Jailed For Illegally Importing Guns From Spain 

A MAN who illegally imported handguns from Spain into Scotland has been jailed for three years and 10 months. 
Douglas Urquhart was arrested after a raid on his home in the village of Loanhead, Midlothian in May this year. 
Four illegal firearms and over 40 bladed weapons were recovered from the 45-year-old’s property. 
The guns, front-venting blank firers which are illegal in the UK, were all found in a ‘panic room’ hidden in the basement.  
The room had an electromagnetic lock controlled by PIN entry keypad, and contained tinned food, bottled water, a safe and a CCTV system which allowed sight of outside. 
Weapons including throwing stars, knives and machetes were also found throughout the house. 
He was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow earlier this week after pleading guilty last month to firearms offences. 
Urquhart, a joiner who described himself as a weapons and martial arts enthusiast, had previously applied to Police Scotland for a gun licence but had been refused. 

Detective Inspector Tom Gillan of the Organised Crime Partnership (Scotland) said: 
“Our operations and investigations have now recovered over 40 firearms across Scotland since 2018 and we will continue in our efforts to take dangerous weapons off our streets. 
“Targeting those who attempt to jeopardise the safety of our communities will continue to be a top priority for the OCP, supported by local divisions.” 
NCA operations manager John McGowan added: “Urquhart had ordered these weapons online and imported them from Spain and, while they could only fire blanks in the state they were in, they are illegal in the UK because they can easily be converted to fire real ammunition.” 

Although these types if guns can be bought legally in Spain, Spanish police have worked closely with legal authorities in other countries to help them in their investigations. 

 

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