Salvatore Lupe, 38, faced three firearm charges following a police raid on his home in Benview Street, North Glasgow.
At the High Court in Glasgow, it was revealed that on October 20, 2023, Police Scotland’s Organised Crime and Counter Intelligence Unit recovered nine “zip” guns from Lupe’s residence. He also pleaded guilty to possessing ammunition, including .22 and .308 bullets.
Advocate depute Kath Harper stated that the homemade-looking weapons were found in Lupe’s hallway and TV unit. She suggested the weapons might have been stored as part of organized crime, although there were “no direct links.”
A zip gun is an improvised or homemade firearm.
Lupe’s defense agent, Murdo Macleod KC, claimed the firearms were being stored for a friend. He said, “Although he knew they were firearms, he did not know how to use them. He did not interfere with these weapons at all. His fingerprints and DNA were not found, but he accepts that he agreed to store them.”
Macleod explained that Lupe’s friend, who had fallen on hard times, had drug, alcohol, and mental health issues. The friend, who was homeless, asked Lupe to store the firearms temporarily.
Macleod added, “Mr. Lupe took the view that they would be safer in his possession rather than in various hostels around Glasgow. He agreed to allow these firearms to stay in his house. They were there for a few months and remained untouched.”
Lupe cooperated with the police, informing them the firearms belonged to his friend, who had since committed suicide using a firearm.
Lord Colbeck scheduled sentencing for August 13 and remanded Lupe in custody.
