A West Hendon man accused of trying to sell missiles and machine guns worth millions to Colombian terrorists appeared in court this week.

Syed Mohsin Bukhari, 46, of Woolmead Avenue, was arrested in July 2004 after an FBI operation, in which he allegedly tried to sell 200 surface-to-air missiles and enough rocket-propelled grenades and AK-47 rifles to arm 900 men to an agent posing as a supplier of Marxist rebel group FARC.

Jurors at the Old Bailey heard that an agent who called himself David Sullivan arranged to meet Mr Bukhari for the first time in December 2002.

Prosecutor Julian Bevan claimed that during the course of the meeting at a London hotel, Mr Sullivan made it clear that he was an illegal arms trader and told Bukhari that he was dependent upon smuggling, false documentation and bribery to achieve his aims.

Mr Bevan said: "He indicated, by implication, that his clients were neither countries nor governments, but persons in Mexico and South America, with an emphasis on Colombia."

Guided laser system

Mr Sullivan is alleged to have first told Bukhari that he could supply him with a guided laser system' called Viper, which allows targets to be pinpointed from a distance, as well as a remote-control system, known as Piccolo, which would allow an unmanned aircraft to launch missile strikes.

The prosecution claimed Bukhari showed interest in the Viper and Piccolo.

The court heard that Bukhari and his family were experienced international arms dealers and had supplied surface-to-air missiles and helicopters worth £50 million to Pakistan.

Missiles worth US$38m

Mr Bevan said that police had uncovered documentation in Bukhari's home relating to tenders for the supply of SA18 missiles. It was claimed the cost of the surface-to-air missiles would have exceeded US$38m.

Over the course of further meetings, the FBI agent made it clear that he was interested in obtaining weapons for the Colombian rebel group FARC and brought another undercover agent, calling himself Mr Ruben, who posed as a terrorist.

Mr Bevan said: "Mr Ruben presented himself as the financial person behind this drug-funded political organisation called FARC.

"FARC is, in fact, a terrorist group and is recognised as such worldwide. But Bukhari is said to have been happy to sell the weapons to the pair."

No arms were ever delivered and when he was first arrested Bukhari said he had been discussing a helicopter deal.

When he discovered that his conversations with Mr Sullivan had been recorded, he is said to have changed his mind and claimed the meetings were hocus pocus to try and find out who the FBI man was acting for'.

Bukhari denies the charges against him. The trial continues.