Four men have been jailed for a total of 52 years after a loaded firearm and three large knives were seized by police who stopped a minicab in south east London.
Detectives say they may never know who Jamal Francis and his gang were targeting - but is it reasonable to speculate their arrests “saved a life”.
A proactive investigation, codenamed Operation Chanco, was launched in the spring of 2023.
Police marksmen carried out a hard stop in Cranbrook Road, Deptford on June 1 last year and all four passengers attempted to make off from the vehicle.
Francis, 21, was detained within the minicab where a loaded handgun was recovered in the rear.
A large black and orange handled knife was located down the back of his trousers.
Jarell McKenzie, 20, was held after a short foot chase with officers and found to be in possession of a large blade and a bag of cannabis.
Gregton Bower, 19, ran for quite a distance while being followed by armed officers.
During the chase, he threw a samurai sword into bushes on Broadway Fields.
When eventually arrested on New Butt Lane, Bower also had a bag of cannabis.
The fourth man managed to get away, however extensive CCTV and forensic lines of enquiry, led to the arrest of James Rowland, 21, three weeks later.
At Woolwich Crown Court on Friday, Francis, of Adenmore Road, Catford was jailed for 16 years after being found guilty of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
Jarell McKenzie, of Avon Road, Brockley, received nine years for the same offence.
Gregton Bower, of Lewisham Way, Brockley, was sentenced to 13 years and James Rowland, of Breakspears Road, Brockley got 14 years.
Francis, McKenzie and Bower also admitted possession of the weapons at the time of their arrest.
Detective Chief Inspector Lewis Sanderson, of the Metropolitan Police’s 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.”
