Group jailed after 128 knives and machetes being sold on Snapchat

Metropolitan Police seized more than 120 knives being sold on Snapchat
Metropolitan Police seized more than 120 knives being sold on Snapchat
Metropolitan Police
Laura Sharman @LauraSharman_14 September 2021
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A group have been jailed for knife offences after police discovered zombie knives and machetes being sold on Snapchat.

A total 128 deadly weapons were seized after evidence emerged of knives being advertised on three separate Snapchat accounts.

Officers were sent to a property in Newham, east London, during an investigation in February.

The group, including a father and son, were seen walking up to an address and swapping large supermarket bags sparking a stop and search.

Fred Truman, 61, and his son Omar Truman, 27, of Westminster, were found with three bags stuffed with 58 machetes, combat and lock knives.

Officers arrested the pair and immediately issued a search warrant at the property.

A further 70 blades were uncovered alongside empty knife packaging and shipment boxes all addressed to the name Jordan Lovett.

Some of the weapons seized from the Trumans were identical to those inside.

Lovett, 23, was arrested with 24-year-old Loishana McKenzie and a 17-year-old boy.

Evidence showed weapons were being marketed on separate Snapchat accounts linked to their mobile phones.

The group plreaded guilty to the crimes at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

Fred and Omar Truman admitted possession of 58 bladed articles; Omar was sentenced to 19 months and Fred was sentenced to 14 months.

Lovett, McKenzie and the 17-year-old teenager, of Newham, pleaded guilty to the unlawful marketing of knives.

Lovett, who also admitted possession of criminal property ammounting to £585 cash, was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment to run concurrently.

McKenzie was handed a nine month suspended sentence with an 80 hour unpaid work requirement and a rehabilitation activity requirement of 30 days.

The 17-year-old was bailed to return to Stratford Youth Court and awaits a date for sentencing.

DI Jason Colby, of the violent crime taskforce, said: “Due to their own greed and callousness, these individuals completely ignored the fact they could be facilitating violent attacks and bloodshed by selling these deadly weapons.

“I have absolutely no doubt that these weapons were intended for London’s streets and would’ve ended up in the wrong hands, including young children.

“I am confident that we have prevented further incidents and saved lives by seizing these horrifying knives.

“This investigation is part of wider activity across the Met to relentlessly target offenders selling weapons irresponsibly and illegally, and we will continue using all the powers available to us to bring those responsible to justice.”

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