A pair of Scots gun runners were caught with a haul of 'deadly' firearms and ammunition hidden in their motor after police were tipped off about their criminal activities.
Mark Kirkby, from Kilwinning, and Ku Wing Kwok, from Greenock, admitted being involved in the transfer of the deadly weapons after their Ford Mondeo was stopped in Largs last September.
The duo, aged 37 and 43, were later arrested and charged by officers before pleading guilty at Glasgow High Court on Monday.
A senior detective has told how the shocking discovery posed a “deadly risk” to the community and has vowed to continue cracking down on serious organised crime.
Detective Chief Superintendent Stuart Houston, Police Scotland's Head of Organised Crime, said: “Officers had received intelligence that Kirkby would be involved in the transfer of firearms in Largs and a surveillance operation saw the two men being arrested.
“This significant recovery posed a deadly risk to our community.
“Kirkby and Kwok clearly thought nothing of endangering others with the firearms and ammunition they were supplying.
“I welcome their conviction and re-iterate that our officers will continue to work to identify and target those individuals who possess firearms illegally.
“We rely on the support and assistance of the public.
“If you have any information on illegal firearms or serious and organised crime, then please contact us immediately.
“Anyone with information should contact their local police station though 101 or contact Crimestoppers through 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”
Kirkby and Kwok are due to be sentenced on March 9.
Their convictions are the third result for cops during the same serious organised crime undercover operation.
Paul Duncan, 55, was jailed for five years in January after admitting firearms offences.
Cops swooped on him as he drove along Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow on August 21 last year.
They discovered a firearm and ammunition before a subsequent search of a house in Erskine revealed a further seven weapons.
