A man has been jailed for his role in importing a semi-automatic gun and live ammunition into the UK via the Port of Dover.

Radek Dobias's DNA was discovered on the weapon which had been concealed in foam in a van.

The Slovakian-made Grand Power Stribog SR9A2 rifle and 465 rounds of ammunition was uncovered by Border Force officers in April 2018.

The driver of the van claimed he knew nothing about the lethal haul, and had been to the Czech Republic to collect a racing buggy for his boss.

Tests by forensic experts revealed Dobias, 42 and formerly of Sunlight Street, Anfield, Liverpool, was linked to the crime.

He was found to be in the Czech Republic and was brought to the UK in March last year after serving a four-year sentence for unrelated theft, criminal damage and forgery offences.

Dobias was arrested at Manchester Airport and charged with attempting to import a firearm and ammunition.

He pleaded guilty in November 2022 and has now been sentenced to 12 years and nine months behind bars.

NCA Branch Commander Mark Howes said: “Radek Dobias played an integral role in this importation attempt, with evidence showing he handled the gun and ammunition personally.

“These items had the potential to cause serious injury and death, and the group had imported enough ammunition to do untold damage if used on the streets.

“Tackling the criminal trade in firearms is a priority for the NCA, and we work closely with Border Force and international partners to disrupt their flow into the UK.”

Dobias’s criminal associate, Marek Platko, 32, of Pinehurst Road, Anfield, Liverpool, was arrested at Liverpool John Lennon Airport two days after the seizure as he flew in from Prague.

He was convicted of importing a firearm and ammunition by a jury at Canterbury Crown Court in December 2018 and sentenced to 22 years imprisonment.

The van driver was cleared of the same charge.