A man has been jailed following a police raid at a dry cleaners in Thornton Heath that uncovered a gun.

In October 2020, officers searched an outbuilding in the back yard of the premises and found a converted Glock pistol capable of fully automatic fire inside a black zip-up pouch. 

Mark Kerwick, of Shrublands Estate, claimed he had briefly handled the gun in 2016 or 2017.

However, police found his DNA on the trigger, working parts, and internal components of the pistol.

Glock found (Image: MPS)

Further investigation revealed that Kerwick had been supplying cannabis to friends and family, based on analysis of his phone contents by specialist officers.

On Tuesday, June 11, the 33-year-old was sentenced to five years in prison at Croydon Crown Court.

He was found guilty of possession of a firearm and distributing Class B drugs at an earlier hearing at the same court.

Detective Constable Samuel Cafferty, from the Specialist Crime Command, who led the investigation, said: “Drugs have a devastating impacts on communities and it goes without saying that guns such as these can cause serious violence an irreparable damage. 

“Our team collaborates with local officers to dismantle firearm-related crimes in Croydon.

"The swift action taken by the officers demonstrates our dedication to maintaining public safety and combating criminal activity within London. 

"To further enhance our efforts, we have also increased patrols in high-risk areas serving as a visible deterrent to potential offenders and reassuring the public of their safety.

"If you have any questions, please speak to local officers who will be happy to hear from you.”