Five men caught smuggling the UK's largest haul of automatic weapons have been jailed for a total of more than 90 years.

The guns, 22 Czech VZ-58 assault rifles and nine Skorpion machine pistols, were transported from the continent by boat into the River Medway by the gang led by Harry Shilling, unaware they were being watched by the National Crime Agency.

They trafficked the weapons through the same route used by Al-Qaeda jihadis who attacked the satirical magazine' Charlie Hebdo's headquarters in Paris in January 2015, killing 12.

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Shilling was sentenced to 30 years, while his “trusted lieutenants” Michael Defraine and Richard Rye got 27 years and 14 years and three months respectively.

David Payne, 43, who sailed the boat carrying the guns had already pleaded guilty, along with Christopher Owen, 30, of Bush Road, Cuxton, and Richard Rye, 24, of Lime Road, Swanley.

Fellow defendants John Smale, 58, and Jennifer Arthy, 42, both of Rochester Road, Halling, were cleared.

The “evil cargo” which was unloaded at Trenchman’s Wharf near Cuxton Marina, included assault rifles and pistols, along with 58 magazines and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition.

The jury heard Shilling had exchanged messages with Defraine about being “officially gangsters” and that they were “armed to the teeth”.

VIDEO: Five men caught smuggling the UK's largest haul of automatic weapons have been jailed for a total of more than 90 years.

NCA Head of Specialist Operations, Rob Lewin, said: “The weapons seized here were hugely powerful and the evidence showed that Shilling and his gang would have had no hesitation in using them.

“They thought having this kind of firepower made them untouchable, but we were determined to stay one step ahead of them all the way.

“In seizing these guns and by stopping this organised crime group we have protected the public and saved lives.

“The NCA continues to work with European partners to investigate the source of the guns.”