adminJITRA: Police arrested two men who were believed to be trying to smuggle in imitation firearms from a neighbouring country through the Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex, last Saturday.
Kubang Pasu District Police Chief Superintendent Mohd Radzi Abdul Rahim said the suspects, aged 27 and 21, were arrested after a team of officers stopped a Perodua Myvi car that was spotted in suspicious conditions.
“The inspection found a fake rifle barrel of the Carbine Model M4A1 type and a magazine under the driver’s seat, while another Model N4 rifle barrel along with a magazine was found under the passenger seat.
“Further inspection at the storage area found eight boxes containing imitation pistols along with petals, four boxes of petals, eight plastic bags containing bead bullets and 10 gas bottles,” he said at a press conference at the Kubang Pasu District Police Headquarters (IPD) today.
Mohd Radzi said initial investigations found that a 27-year-old factory engineer from Penang was the main suspect in the activities related to the imitation firearms, while his friend who works as a food delivery man was only accompanying him.
“The suspect joined a group on the Telegram application that had 25 members with the main topic of discussion related to imitation firearms. The suspect also advertised and took messages from group members.
“The suspect went to Hat Yai, Thailand to buy an imitation firearm that was ordered at a total cost estimated at RM6,500 and if he successfully sold the weapon, he could make a profit of about RM2,000,” he said.
Mohd Radzi said the suspect, who has no criminal record, had previously purchased imitation firearms for his own use and this was the first time he had sold them to another buyer.
“The act of selling imitation firearms is illegal and can cause injury. To the naked eye, the weapons are almost 90 to 95 percent similar to real weapons and if released, can be used to commit crimes including robbery,” he said.
He said the two suspects were remanded until today and investigations were being conducted under Section 36 of the Arms Act 1960.
“The police remain committed to tightening security controls at border crossings to curb illegal activities including drug, firearm and migrant smuggling,” he said.
— BERNAMA
