Drug dealer found with loaded gun in Derby barbershop jailed

A Derby drug dealer has been jailed for five years after being found with a loaded gun in a Derby barbershop.

Unarmed officers detained Usman Nazir at the shop in Upperdale Road, Normanton, on 11 May 2021, for an unrelated matter. When searched officers found a handgun in his right pocket and a CS spray in his left.

Firearms officers were called to the scene and found the handgun was loaded with three live rounds.

A further search of the 21-year-old’s flat in Great Northern Road uncovered another loaded handgun – as well as significant quantities of cocaine and cannabis, a stab vest, and a machete.

Yesterday (10 January) Nazir was handed five years in prison at Derby Crown Court after admitting seven offences:

• 2 x possession of a firearm without a licence
• 2 x possession of ammunition
• Possession with intent to supply cannabis
• Possession with intent to supply cocaine
• Possession of cannabis

PC Laura McLuckie, the officer who led the investigation into Nazir, said: “As officers we are prepared for many things – but finding a loaded handgun in the pocket of a man getting his haircut was something none of us could have thought would happen.

“The calmness of Nazir when he was arrested, knowing what was inside his right-hand pocket was nothing short of incredible.

“The level of danger that Nazir posed was made even clearer by the weapons found at his home – which showed the serious nature of the criminality that he was involved with.”

Detective Sergeant Chris Barker said: “This arrest is a stark example of the potentially lethal situations that officers are involved in every day.

“Their calmness, professionalism and clear thinking meant that Nazir was arrested safely, and nobody was hurt – but that could have been a very different outcome.

“The danger posed by firearms is well known and, while their use is thankfully a rare occurrence in Derbyshire, the public should be in no doubt that we are targeting those who carry these weapons.

“If you believe someone you know is carrying a firearm then I would urge you to contact the force in confidence at any time – or ring Crimestoppers completely anonymously.”

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You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org.