Deptford minicab stop unveils loaded firearm, samurai sword and drugs leading to heavy jail terms
A routine minicab vehicle stop culminated in the seizure of a loaded firearm and multiple large knives, leading to substantial prison terms for the four male passengers involved.
The incident unfolded when armed officers intercepted a minicab on Cranbrook Road on 1 June 2023, as part of Operation Chanco. An attempt by all four occupants to flee was swiftly stopped by the police. During the arrest, various weapons were uncovered including a samurai sword and a firearm.
Jamal Francis, 21, was apprehended inside the cab, found with a knife concealed in his clothing. Jarell McKenzie, 20, after a brief chase on foot, was caught with a knife and cannabis. Gregton Bower, 19, was arrested after discarding a samurai sword during his attempt to escape; he also possessed cannabis. The final suspect, James Rowland, 21, evaded initial capture but was later detained following investigative work using CCTV and forensic evidence.
A thorough search of the vehicle later revealed a hidden loaded gun in the rear compartment. Charged with possession of a firearm intended to endanger life, all four were convicted at Woolwich Crown Court on 9 January 2024. Additionally, Francis, McKenzie, and Bower admitted to possessing knives at the point of arrest.
The court handed down their sentences on 5 April, with Jamal Francis receiving 16 years, Jarell McKenzie nine years, Gregton Bower 13 years, and James Rowland 14 years, cumulating in a total of 52 years in prison for the group.
DCI Lewis Sanderson, Specialist Crime, said: “These sentences reflect the seriousness of the men’s offences. They were travelling in a car with a gun and numerous large knives. Thankfully we will never know the harm they would have inflicted that day, but it seems reasonable to speculate that this investigation and these arrests could well have saved a life.
“There is, clearly, no place for these weapons on our streets. London, and in particular Lewisham, is a much safer place with these men in prison.
“I urge everyone to share what they know about the men of violence. Please tell us who is carrying a potentially lethal weapon, since every single piece of information is crucial. If you don’t want to speak with police directly, then contact the independent charity Crimestoppers.”
