KUALA LUMPUR: Israeli Shalom Avitan and a local couple detained recently could face the death penalty if they are convicted for illegal possession of firearms, says Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.
He said the investigation paper on the suspects was opened under Section 7 of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971.
"The case was initially investigated under the Passport Act 1966 when Avitan was arrested but our investigation revealed more serious offences.
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"He and the married couple in their early 40s are being investigated under the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971," he told a press conference in Bukit Aman on Tuesday (April 2).
"We are still investigating to uncover the real motive behind the pistols being in their possession.
"Avitan has been remanded until Sunday (April 7) and the others until Friday (April 5).
"We will request for an extension should investigators need more time," he said.
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Razarudin also said initial investigations revealed that the married couple obtained the weapons from Thailand before selling them to the foreigner.
"Each pistol was sold for over RM10,000.
"A lapse at east coast border security allowed the weapons to be smuggled in," he said, adding that factors in such cases included the terrain and weather.
He declined to reveal more details saying it could jeopirdise the investigation.
It was reported that Avitan, 38, was arrested at a hotel in Jalan Ampang on Wednesday (March 27) with six guns and 200 rounds of ammunition.
The local married couple were arrested in Kuala Selangor on Friday (March 29) on suspicion of supplying weapons to him.
A local man alleged to be Avitan's driver was also detained in Cameron Highlands, Pahang.
