Weapons. Pic: Metropolitan Police

Three men were sentenced to a total of 33 years in jail at Croydon Crown Court on Friday, for conspiracy to supply firearms and ammunition to gangs in south London.

The Police recovered six firearms, including a sawn-off gun, two semi-automatic handguns and three revolvers.

They also seized 47 rounds of ammunition, one hundred shell casings, lead shot and tools associated with manufacture of ammunition.

The investigation was launched in April last year and officers spent months gathering intelligence and evidence. Hume Bent, 47, Carlos Moncrieffe, 47, and Christopher McKenzie, 26, were arrested on October 20 2011 and charged the following day.

The investigation, which police codenamed Operation Dhanni, involved assistance from Croydon as well as Lewisham Crime Squads.

DCI Steve Wagstaff, said: “This was a significantly challenging operation targeting those involved at the very top of the supply network who had ready access to lethal firearms.

“The professionalism and courage of the officers involved and the risk managed and removed by the team led by DI Colin Douglas cannot be overstated. These are dangerous men dealing in firearms and the skill of the teams deployed and at court was exceptional.”

The investigation revealed Moncrieffe as the supplier and manufacturer of the ammunition; related machinery was found in his Lewisham home.

He and McKenzie both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply ammunition and firearms.

Moncrieffe was sentenced to four years in jail; 12 months of his imprisonment for possession with intent to supply a Class B drug, namely cannabis.

Brent pleaded not guilty, but was found guilty of conspiracy to supply firearms with intent to endanger life, on July 20 2012 at Croydon Crown Court, following an extensive trial.

A woman was also arrested in connection with the investigation but was later released with no subsequent action.