Cops nab four illegal immigrants, seize air rifle and bullets

JOHOR BARU: An attempt by four illegal immigrants to sneak into the country was foiled by marine police at Sungai Kg Bakar Batu here.

Southern Region Two Marine Police commander Asst Comm Muhd Zailani said the suspects, aged between 35 and 50, were arrested in a car at about 12.15am on Thursday (April 7).

"The four men failed to show valid travel documents.

"Also arrested was a 43-year-old local man (suspected of transporting) the illegal immigrants," he said in a statement on Friday (April 8).

He added that checks on the suspects found an air rifle that had been disassembled into five parts along with three packs of home-made bullets and three sickles.

"The suspects, who are from Surabaya in Indonesia, said the air rifle was to be used for hunting.

"The suspects and seized items have been handed over to Johor Baru district police headquarters for further investigation," he said.

The case was being investigated under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act, Firearms Act 1960, Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act and the Immigration Act 1959/63.

ACP Muhd Zailani urged anyone with information on contraband, drugs and illegal immigrants entering Johor to contact Southern Region Two Marine Police at 07-237 2221/2222.