Gun-obsessed teen 'test-fired weapons' in public

A masked drug dealer who filmed himself firing guns in public places has been jailed after US Homeland Security intercepted a firearm he had ordered from America.

Henri Nikolli, from Sloansway, Welwyn Garden City, in Hertfordshire, was arrested last April, after he was caught trying to buy a blank-firing handgun disguised as a canine training kit.

The 19-year-old was found to have a cannabis farm, three converted antique guns, ammunition, knives, phones, multiple SIM cards, and tools to make his own bullets.

On Monday, he was jailed for six years and three months at St Albans Crown Court after admitting multiple drugs and firearms offences during a hearing in January.

Andrew Tickner, senior investigating officer from the Organised Crime Partnership (OCP), described Nikolli as "clearly a sophisticated criminal".

"[He] had amassed an arsenal of dangerous weapons to facilitate his drugs trade," he said.

"Despite already owning three viable antique firearms, he sought to import another gun which, if he was successful, could have done significant damage."

Nikolli was arrested in Potters Bar by officers from the OCP, a joint unit run by the National Crime Agency and the Metropolitan Police.

His criminal operation was uncovered after he placed an order with an American company for what appeared to be a canine training kit in March 2025.

The package actually contained a 9mm Forward Venting Blank Firing handgun and a firearms kit consisting of a magazine, brush and muzzle adapter.

Searches uncovered a large cannabis grow, weapons and a notebook detailing how to manufacture or adapt firearms and ammunition.

He was subsequently charged with producing and supplying a class B drug, possessing firearms and attempting to possess a prohibited weapon.

Other charges included possessing ammunition without a firearms certificate, having a loaded shotgun in a public place and a firearm and ammunition in a public place.

Giorgina Venturella, specialist prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: Nikolli had become "deeply entrenched in a lawless lifestyle".

"Videos were obtained from his device showing firearms being test-fired in public spaces, demonstrating a flagrant disregard for the safety of others," she said.

"Firearms, ammunition and knives had become everyday commodities used by Nikolli in his criminal trade, posing an evident danger to local communities.

"Securing these guilty pleas and sentence has taken a criminal off the streets of Hertfordshire."

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