The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has crippled an illegal firearms smuggling syndicate believed to have been operating since 2019, with 30 weapons worth RM360,000 seized during the operation.
Perlis Police Chief Datuk Muhammad Abdul Halim said the success followed an integrated operation involving the Criminal Investigation Department (JSJ) from Perlis, Perak and Kedah, which carried out eight raids earlier this month.
He said eight local men aged between 40 and 70 were arrested, including retirees, businessmen and civil servants.
“During the operation, police seized eight actual firearms, 21 airsoft guns and one homemade air rifle.
“Also seized were hundreds of rounds of ammunition of various calibres, nearly 9,000 bullet casings, as well as various related components and accessories,” he said during a press conference at the Perlis Police Contingent Headquarters (IPK) today.
Muhammad said preliminary investigations found that most of the weapons were smuggled from a neighbouring country for sports and hunting purposes.
He said the suspects were not registered members of any shooting clubs but instead pursued their interest independently, with some also possessing skills to manufacture homemade firearms.
“Investigations found that all suspects were connected and communicated with each other to conduct illegal firearms buying and selling activities,” he said.
He added that three of the eight suspects had already been charged at the Kangar and Kulim Sessions Courts on July 17 and July 21, while the remaining five are still under police investigation.
The operation began following the first arrest on July 1 in Sitiawan, Perak, which led to further raids in Beseri, Wang Ulu, Taman Repoh, Kuala Perlis and Kaki Bukit in Perlis, as well as Lunas in Kedah.
The case is being investigated under Sections 7 and 8 of the Arms Act (Increased Penalties) 1971, as well as Sections 8(a) and 36 of the Arms Act 1960.
Muhammad reminded the public not to be involved in illegal firearms activities, including possessing, purchasing or acting as intermediaries in firearm transactions, as such offences carry severe penalties including imprisonment and whipping.
