Two men convicted of firearm offences after guns posing 'deadly risk' to community are seized

Two men have been convicted after officers found a vehicle containing illegal firearms and ammunition.

Police stopped a Ford Mondeo in Irvine Road, Largs on Tuesday, 1 September last year in which they discovered guns and ammunition.

Mark Kirkby, 37, and 43-year-old Ku Wing Kwok, who were arrested and charged after the incident, pled guilty to the offences at the High Court in Glasgow today, 1 March.

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Detective Chief Superintendent Stuart Houston, Police Scotland's head of organised crime, said the quantity of firearms and ammunition found posed a “deadly risk” to the community.

Mark Kirkby, aged 37 years, and 43-year-old Ku Wing Kwok picture: Police ScotlandMark Kirkby, aged 37 years, and 43-year-old Ku Wing Kwok picture: Police Scotland
Mark Kirkby, aged 37 years, and 43-year-old Ku Wing Kwok picture: Police Scotland

He said: “Officers had received intelligence that Kirkby would be involved in the transfer of firearms in Largs and a surveillance operation saw the two men being arrested.

"Kirkby and Kwok clearly thought nothing of endangering others with the firearms and ammunition they were supplying.

“I welcome their conviction and re-iterate that our officers will continue to work to identify and target those individuals who possess firearms illegally. We rely on the support and assistance of the public.”

The pair are due to be sentenced on 9 March.

The convictions of Kirkby and Kwok are the third in a wider operation. On 5 January this year, Paul Duncan, 55, was jailed for five years after admitting to firearms offences following a search in a Mazda car in Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, in August, and a property in Douglas Crescent, Erskine.

Police Scotland urges people who have information on illegal firearms or serious and organised crime to contact them immediately.

Anyone with information should contact their local police station though 101 or contact Crimestoppers through 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.

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