Detectives are appealing for the public’s assistance in locating a man who has been jailed in his absence after being found in possession of a loaded firearm.

On Thursday, 21 November, Yusuf Ahmed and Ibrahim Cabdulgadir were jailed at Snaresbrook Crown Court for 13 years and nine-and-a-half years respectively.

26-year-old Ahmed, from Aldenham Street, NW1, was sentenced for possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life.

Cabdulgadir, also 26 from West Hendon Broadway, Brent, was sentenced for possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Both men were convicted on Friday, November 15, following a four-week trial.

Ahmed fled in the third week of trial yet was convicted and sentenced in his absence. He is now a wanted individual who detectives are working hard to locate.

Detective Inspector Victoria Sullivan, from Central Specialist Crime, said: “Yusuf Ahmed fled in the third week of his trial, but the evidence put forward against him was so strong he was convicted and has now been sentenced in his absence. It is imperative he is located and faces the consequences of his reckless actions.

“I know someone out there will have seen him around or know of his current whereabouts and we need to hear from these people so that my officers can arrest him and ensure he serves the sentence which has been handed down by the judge.”

Tottenham Independent:

The firearm recovered from the vehicle in Walthamstow.

The pair were brought before the courts following an investigation by Specialist Crime detectives.

On March 6, 2018, armed police stopped a black vehicle travelling along Billet Road, Walthamstow, where they found Ahmed in the front passenger seat and Candulgadir driving.

Further examination of the vehicle revealed a loaded firearm inside, containing two rounds of modified ammunition, enabling it to fire live rounds.

Further forensic testing revealed Ahmed’s DNA on the ammunition inside the magazine of the weapon, inside the gun, inside a blue plastic bag wrapped around the gun, and finally on the outer white plastic bag.

Throughout the course of the trial, Ahmed was unable to explain how his DNA was present on all these layers.

The court heard that on three different occasions Ahmed tried to source ammunition from legitimate gun shops.

Detective Inspector Sullivan added: “The police cannot solve violent crime alone, communities have a vital part to play and I would urge anyone with information to call 999 immediately quoting reference number 02SD/741287.

“Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. They do not ask your name and cannot trace your call.