KAJANG: A 27-year-old man, who was in possession of a cache of replica firearms and other military paraphernalia, was arrested in Cheras during a special operation carried out by the Selangor police.
The suspected illegal dealer of Airsoft rifles and pistols was held by a team from the state’s serious crimes division in Taman Kasturi at about 5pm on Sept 2. He was in his car at the time of arrest.
A search by police led to the recovery of a holstered Airsoft Glock 19 pistol, sets of handcuffs, balaclavas, holsters, walkie-talkies, cable ties and military clothing.
Sources said the suspect, who is from Johor, then led police to his house in Taman Semenyih Permata where more replica firearms and other military gear were found.
Among the items seized were three Airsoft Colt pistols, two Bushmaster M4 rifles, 12 ammunition magazines for the pistols and rifles, five bullet-proof vests, sniper scopes and plastic pellets.
Investigators learnt the suspect had acquired the items from the Kelantan-Thai border and had sold at least four of the replica pistols to buyers in the Klang Valley and Johor.
The suspect is being investigated under Section 36 of the Firearms Act for possession of imitation firearms, an offence punishable with imprisonment of up to a year or a maximum fine of RM5,000 or both.
Police have warned it is an offence to own replica or imitation firearms without a licence from the authorities through registered companies.
The use of such items is allowed for groups dealing with training or movie-making.
However, no licences are issued to individuals for personal use. This includes replica firearms from Airsoft, paintball markers and ball-bearing guns.
