Penang Police Foil International Arms Smuggling Syndicate
Operations
Penang police apprehended four men, including two Indonesians, and seized five pistols, an M4 rifle, and 801 bullets from a boat in the waters off Perai, Penang, yesterday.
Incident
At 3:10 pm, the region one marine police force from Batu Uban intercepted two fibreglass boats, which had no registration numbers, while they were traveling from Penang Port towards the Penang Bridge, one nautical mile southwest of Sungai Perai. During the check, two local men and two Indonesian men, aged between 22 and 57, were detained.
Findings
"Further checks uncovered five pistols, including two Sig Sauer pistols with three magazines, two Glock pistols with two magazines, and one Smith & Wesson pistol with a single magazine," said Penang police chief Hamzah Ahmad. Additionally, an M4 rifle, 600 rounds of M4 ammunition, 200 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and one S&B bullet were found in the boat occupied by the two Indonesians.
Investigations
Hamzah said that police also seized various items, including a satellite phone, mobile phones, bags, GPS equipment, RM4,030 in cash, and two passports belonging to the two foreign nationals. Initial investigations revealed that the two foreign men entered Malaysia through legal channels, before traveling to Thailand by sea to collect the firearms. The transactions are believed to have taken place in international waters.
Purpose of the Seized Firearms
The firearms were subsequently smuggled into Malaysia for sale to potential buyers, likely intended for criminal activities or acts of terrorism.
Suspects
"The four individuals working as fishermen are believed to be part of an international arms smuggling syndicate. This is believed to be their first attempt to carry out arms trade in the country," Hamzah said. "They are suspected of renting the two unregistered boats locally."
Remand
Hamzah said that all four men have been remanded for seven days, until February 3, to assist investigations under Section 7 of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971 for firearms trafficking.
Conclusion
The successful operation demonstrates the Penang police’s commitment to combating illegal activities and disrupting international arms smuggling syndicates. The seized firearms and ammunition have been removed from circulation, reducing the risk of criminal activities and acts of terrorism.
FAQs
- What was seized from the boats?
- Five pistols, an M4 rifle, 600 rounds of M4 ammunition, 200 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and one S&B bullet.
- Who were the individuals detained?
- Two local men and two Indonesian men, aged between 22 and 57.
- What is believed to be the purpose of the seized firearms?
- Likely intended for criminal activities or acts of terrorism.
- What is the status of the suspects?
- They have been remanded for seven days to assist investigations under Section 7 of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971 for firearms trafficking.