Two men have been jailed after police officers found a packaged gun in the back seat of a car.

Romford Recorder: The seized handgun wrapped. Picture: Metropolitan PoliceThe seized handgun wrapped. Picture: Metropolitan Police (Image: Archant)

Wayne Richardson, 44, of Brentwood Road, Romford, and Earl Fraser, 34, of Arisdale Avenue, South Ockendon, were today sentenced to five years imprisonment each at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

The sentencing comes after Richardson pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and Fraser was found guilty following a trial last month.

The pair were caught on October 21 last year following an “intelligence-led operation” involving officers from the Trident Gang Crime Command and specialist firearms officers.

Police stopped the men on the A13 at the junction with the A12 in Bow.

Romford Recorder: The seized handgun unwrapped. Picture: Metropolitan PoliceThe seized handgun unwrapped. Picture: Metropolitan Police (Image: Archant)

Officers recovered a black handgun wrapped in multiple layers of packaging from the back seat of a Ford Fusion.

Det Con Neil Perkin, from the serious and organised crime command, said: “Naturally, I am delighted that the jury saw fit to return a guilty verdict based on the overwhelming evidence they heard during this trial.

“Firearms of this particular nature can be easily converted and become live weapons, their purpose is simple – to be used to kill or injure someone.

“It is clear that this firearm was in the process of being transported for sale or rent within the criminal fraternity. In taking this firearm out of circulation the Met can feel proud that serious harm has been averted.”