More firearms seized from mechanic’s home in Baling

 Baling police chief says the suspect, who is under remand, had revealed where he had hidden the shotgun, imitation pistol and ammunition in his house.

With the latest discovery, police have now seized three rifles and four pistols, including two imitation pistols, from the suspect. (Bernama pic)

BALING:

 Police have seized a shotgun, an imitation pistol and more than 180 rounds of ammunition from the home of a mechanic who was previously arrested for allegedly possessing illegal firearms.

Baling police chief Brandon Richard Joe said the two weapons were seized on May 6 following questioning of the 45-year-old suspect, who remains in police custody.

“The suspect revealed the existence of the firearms that he had hidden. Following an inspection, we found the weapon in the kitchen area and also in the attic of the suspect’s house.

“Following the discovery, we opened another investigation paper under Section 8 of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971 for suspected possession of a firearm without a valid licence or permit,” he told a press conference at the Baling police headquarters today.

Brandon said the suspect was already being investigated under Section 8(a) of the Arms Act 1960 for alleged possession of ammunition without a valid licence or permit, as well as under Section 36 of the same Act for possession of an imitation firearm.

Initial investigations found that the suspect had allegedly obtained the firearms and ammunition from an acquaintance in a neighbouring country early last year before smuggling them into Malaysia through the border in Pengkalan Hulu, Perak.

“We are still investigating the motive behind the suspect’s possession of the firearms. The suspect has no record of applying for a firearms licence and has a record related to drugs.

“Urine screening also found the suspect positive for methamphetamine,” he said.

Brandon added that with the latest discovery, police have now seized three rifles and four pistols, including two imitation pistols, from the suspect.

“The suspect has been remanded under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code until May 11 to assist in investigations.

“We are also unable to determine whether the seized weapons had been used previously because ballistic tests have yet to be conducted,” he said.

Previously, the media reported that the mechanic was arrested on May 1 at his workshop after police found him in possession of five firearms, including an imitation pistol. - FMT