US authorities intercepted a parcel delivery from Florida destined for a business address in east London last July.

Upon searching, they discovered a microwave and inside were four loaded firearms and 59 rounds of ammunition.

Detective Chief Inspector Ant Jones, Specialist Crime Command, said: “The Met has fantastic working relationships with partner law enforcement agencies all over the world. It’s because of our work with our colleagues in HSI that we have successfully prevented a number of lethal weapons from falling into the wrong hands here; and successfully brought to justice those who conspired to import them for use on the streets of London.

“I’ve no doubt that this partnership working means that lives will have been saved as a result.

“Firearms are inextricably linked to gangs, drugs markets and organised crime groups and we will stop at nothing to disrupt the use and supply of firearms on the streets of London."

HSI London Attaché Tim Hemker, said: “Homeland Security Investigations values its partnership with the Metropolitan Police Service and today’s sentencings highlight the impact exemplary international collaboration can have on the safety of communities we serve.

“HSI will continue to work with international law enforcement partners to investigate and combat transnational organized crimes, like weapons smuggling, to help bring criminals to justice that seek to circumvent laws and do harm worldwide.”