Crane driver nabbed for selling imitation air rifles

 

Melaka police chief Mohd Ali Abdul Majid (left) with the imitation air rifles and their components seized on Tuesday. (Bernama pic)

MELAKA: Police have arrested a crane operator over his alleged involvement in the sale of imitation air rifles in an operation in Kuala Sungai Baru.

Melaka police chief Mohd Ali Abdul Majid said the 37-year-old local man was nabbed at about 1.15pm on Tuesday following surveillance.

“The suspect is believed to have been active in selling imitation firearms over the past two years and was found to be a repeat offender since 2001. He also has a criminal record with three firearms-related offences.

“On checking his house, police found seven imitation air rifles that looked genuine, several air rifle components and ball bearing bullets,” he told a press conference at the Melaka police headquarters here today.

Ali said the air rifles were sold as separate components, using courier services. The suspect would then send videos to his customers via the WhatsApp application on how to assemble them.

He said investigations revealed that the suspect obtained the air rifles from a neighbouring country, and is believed to have purchased the separate components in stages.

“The suspect sold four of the air rifles at RM3,500 each to customers in other states through close contacts. Police are in the process of identifying them for further action.

“The man claimed that the imitation guns were used for hunting, but ballistics tests found that the ball bearing bullets can cause serious harm if the weapons were misused.”

He added that the suspect is under remand for five days until Jan 8 to assist investigations under Section 8 of the Firearms Act 1960, which carries a jail sentence of a maximum of seven years or a fine not exceeding RM10,000, or both, if convicted.