A man was sentenced to five years in prison after being found with homemade ‘zip’ guns and ammunition in his flat in Glasgow. The 38-year-old, Salvatore Lupi, was arrested and charged after a police search of his home uncovered the weapons.
Lupi pleaded guilty to having nine homemade bore ‘zip’ guns without the proper authorization in October of last year. He also admitted to having ammunition with a firearms certificate. During the search, police found firearms in Lupi’s hallway cupboard and TV unit drawer, as well as 20 rounds of hollow-point ammunition.
Additionally, eight metal poles in polythene bags were discovered in the cupboard, along with other metal pieces that had been threaded together to create a firing pin. When assembled, the metal tubing formed smooth bore zip guns designed to discharge a 12-bore shotgun cartridge. All eight poles were tested and successfully fired.
Although police intelligence indicated that Lupi was storing the items for someone involved in serious and organized crime, no direct links could be established between the two individuals. The nine zip guns found in Lupi’s possession are considered firearms under the Firearms Act 1968, requiring written authorization from the Secretary of State or a Scottish Minister, which Lupi did not have.
Moira Orr, who oversees homicide and major crime for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), emphasized the significance of recovering these weapons and ammunition to prevent potential harm on the streets. She highlighted the commitment to collaborating with law enforcement and other agencies to detect and prosecute such crimes effectively.
The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to address illegal firearm possession and combat organized crime activities. By removing these weapons from circulation and holding individuals like Salvatore Lupi accountable, authorities aim to enhance public safety and uphold the law.
