DNA on ‘assassination kits’ traps gangland drug runner

6 November 2009

A former army sergeant who supplied guns to gangs across the UK has been given an indefinite prison sentence, with a minimum of ten years to be served.

Paul Alexander, who ran his gun supply business from his Essex home, was arrested in a joint operation by SOCA and Essex Police in April 2008. He used around 30 different aliases including Paul Hunter-Mann, Jack Bauer and Jason Bourne. At the time of his arrest 28 guns and rifles were recovered, along with thousands of gun parts and information on numerous orders. Over 20 shootings and one murder have been linked forensically to guns supplied by him.

The hunt for Alexander began after his DNA was found on ‘assassination kits’ recovered by Merseyside Police. The kits were designed to look like DIY power tool cases, but inside they contained a handgun, silencer and magazines of ammunition.