Greenock man Scott Grant tried to have blank-firing handgun delivered from Spain

A man who attempted to have a handgun delivered to his home in Greenock from Spain has been jailed after the firearm was intercepted.

Officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Police Scotland uncovered a second, legal, blank-firing weapon alongside a crossbow, knives and a ballistic vest during a raid on Scott Grant’s home in the Wren Road area in May 2020.

The 36-year-old became the subject of an investigation by the organised crime partnership after a package containing the gun – which is legal in Spain but not Scotland – was spotted by delivery workers.

Grant claimed he thought the handgun was legal, but that was rejected as he was jailed for five years at the High Court in Edinburgh on January 5.

Detective Inspector Alan Cuthbert, of the organised crime partnership (Scotland), said: “There is absolutely no place for illegal firearms in our communities and I want to reassure people that we will continue to work with our partners to disrupt this type of activity.

“We will use all resources at our disposal to continue our fight against serious and organised crime, and bring those responsible to justice.

“I hope that Scott Grant’s sentence sends a clear message that this type of criminality will not be tolerated. No one is untouchable and you will be caught.”

DI Cuthbert added: “Intelligence from members of the public is absolutely vital in our work to keep our communities safe and I would urge anyone who has information about the criminal use of firearms to get in touch.”

The firearms can easily be converted to fire real bullets, the NCA said, and could have been “deadly” when converted.

Procurator fiscal Ruth McQuaid said the sentence should send out a strong message over the purchasing of prohibited weapons online.

She added: “It’s important that people who shop for these items recognise that, under the law, they are regarded as prohibited weapons.

“They are dangerous and carry a severe risk of serious injury or death if discharged.

“This sentence reflects the severity with which we, and our partners, treat such purchases.