Man to face charges over illegally importing 154 replica guns without a permit

SINGAPORE – A 44-year-old man who is suspected to be involved in importing 154 replica guns into Singapore without a permit will face charges in court, the police said.

The police, in a statement on March 5, said they first received information linked to the sales of replica guns on an e-commerce platform on May 11, 2023.

They were later able to establish the seller’s identity, and raided his home in Race Course Lane on May 26 the same year. A total of 154 replica guns and related accessories were seized.

The suspect will be charged on March 6 under the Regulation of Imports and Exports Regulations.

Those found guilty of an offence on the first conviction can be fined up to $100,000 or up to three times the value of the goods, or jailed for up to two years, or both.

Repeat offenders can be fined up to $200,000, or four times the value of the goods, or jailed for up to three years, or both.

Under the Regulation of Imports and Exports Regulations, police approval is required for the importation of replica guns.

However, in the interest of public safety, the police will not approve the import of any toy or replica guns that bear close resemblance to actual firearms.

People who carry items such as replica guns in public places can cause unnecessary alarm and the items can also be deemed as offensive weapons depending on circumstances in which they are found, the police said.