(From right) Penang CID chief Senior Asst Comm Mazlan Kesah, Penang police chief Senior Deputy Comm Datuk Abdul Rahim Hanafi, his deputy Deputy Comm Datuk A. Thaiveegan and North Seberang Prai OCPD Asst Comm Abdul Rahman Ibrahim showing the shotgun and airguns during a press conference at state police contingent headquarters. WAN MOHIZAN WAN HUSSEIN THESTAR/6.1.2014
GEORGE TOWN: An ex-serviceman, said to be savvy in handling firearms, has been nabbed for possessing an arsenal of weapons without licence.
Acting on a tip-off, a police team stormed the house of the 53-year-old man in Permatang Buloh, Kepala Batas.
They seized a Beretta pistol with a magazine containing 11 bullets, a fake pistol and its magazine, three homemade airguns and a homemade shotgun during the 3pm raid on Saturday.
Also seized was a bag containing a magazine, six 12-bore cartridges, seven 7.62mm bullets, a 9mm bullet meant for a Thai-made weapon, a pair of handcuffs and a bottle filled with ball bearings meant for use as projectiles.
Penang police chief Senior Deputy Comm Datuk Abdul Rahim Hanafi said the initial probe revealed that the man had five criminal records.
He said the suspect, who also tested positive for drugs, had since been remanded until Jan 11 to facilitate a probe.
“We found him in possession of the weapons without the carry-and-use licences.
“Our probe found that he has a wealth of experience in handling firearms.
“He told us the weapons were meant for his own safekeeping.
“We also know where he got the supplies from, including the Beretta pistol. We have identified the man,” SDCP Rahim said.
He said the case was being investigated under Section 7 of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1970 for unlawful possession of firearms, Section 8(a) of the Arms Act 1960 and Section 36 of the Arms Act 1960.
It is learnt that the man previously served in the army.
