THE importation of two “AX2 Bolt Action” rifles from Accuracy International in the United Kingdom was for “resale purposes” before they found their way into the armoury of the Strategic Services Agency (SSA).
The firearm import permit dated October 10, 2023, with an expiry date of October 10, 2024, which has been obtained exclusively by the Express, shows it was stamped and signed off by the Commissioner of Police for firearms dealer Luke Hadeed, of Aston Enterprises Ltd, New Trincity Industrial Estate.
The purpose of the weapons was for “resale purposes”, according to the permit, which was copied to the Comptroller, Customs and Excise.
Top-level national security and senior intelligence officials familiar with the document told the Express that these high-powered weapons could only have been brought in for “military or police” on a request made by these law enforcement entities.
However, the document does not indicate that the request was made by any of these authorities.
“No firearms dealer can bring in that for resale purposes; these are weapons capable of killing persons from almost two miles away. And for an arms dealer to be allowed to bring in this is the first breach and is illegal and should have been restricted,” said a top intelligence official.
“A senior police officer cannot issue these kinds of firearms for resale purposes,” said another national security official in the loop about the ongoing SSA probe.
According to the senior intelligence official familiar with the events surrounding the rifles in question, as well as the procurement of an assortment of high-valued operating accessories, including 7.62mm mono block suppressors (silencers) and scopes complete with scope mounts and bipods, the silencers were also prohibited and could only have been brought in by the military or police.
A national security official also familiar with the document said the second breach was handing over these firearms to the SSA—who at that time had no legal remit to possess such heavy firepower.
The top-ranking intelligence official gave a chronology of how the investigation unravelled.
“The matter pertinent to these sniper rifles was first brought to the attention of the DPP by investigators on November 21, 2024. A few days later, letters were sent to a senior officer of the TTPS urgently requesting any evidence and pertinent files in the matter,” said the official.
Several sources confirmed that the rifles, which had been in the possession first of Customs and Excise and then sent to the SSA late last year, was seized by the TTPS and placed at the firearms armoury, TTPS Police Training College, St James, under the supervision of an inspector.
“We were told that investigators were unsuccessful in obtaining specific information and a request was made for the sniper rifles. The investigators in this matter then executed a warrant at the armoury and seized the two sniper rifles,” said the intelligence official.
Flashback
On January 31, firearms dealer Luke Hadeed presented himself at the Police Administration Building in the company of his attorney, Om Lalla.
Lalla said his client was willing to work with investigators but was told by investigators that he was not currently wanted for questioning, nor was he a suspect at this time in the probe into the SSA.
“As you would appreciate, it is a very sensitive matter, almost the first of its kind. My concern is Luke Hadeed was touted as a suspect, somebody who is in hiding; we have made it very clear by walking in (today) that he is not a suspect, the police have confirmed that he is not a suspect, he is not under arrest. In fact, we are cooperating in terms of this investigation that is undergoing…
“The matter is very sensitive, but my main concern was to ensure my client did not face any liability of arrest…we are cooperating and I have no major concerns for his well-being moving forward…,” Lalla told reporters.
