Melaka police arrested a man and seized six air rifles, a pistol, and ammunition in a raid, with the suspect modifying and selling weapons.

MELAKA: Police have seized six air rifles and a pistol following a raid at a housing estate in Tanjung Minyak.

A 42-year-old man was arrested during the operation conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department around 12.30 am.

Melaka police chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar said the raid uncovered six air rifle barrels and components, a Sig Sauer pistol, and 100 9 mm blank cartridges.

Also seized were communication equipment, holsters, and tools including a drilling machine.

Initial investigations revealed the suspect had been modifying air rifles purchased for between RM1,000 and RM1,500.

He then allegedly sold the modified weapons for between RM3,000 and RM3,500.

Dzulkhairi stated the suspect learned his modification skills through YouTube and has a prior arrest record for the same offence in 2022.

The suspect also has past criminal records for offences including burglary and criminal intimidation.

“He often moves from one place to another in the state to avoid being detected by the authorities,” Dzulkhairi added.

Ballistic tests are being conducted on the seized pistol to determine if it was used in any criminal activity.

The suspect, who tested positive for methamphetamine, has been remanded for seven days.

He is being investigated under the Firearms Act and the Dangerous Drugs Act.

In a separate development, police expect between 300,000 to 400,000 vehicles to enter Melaka for Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Only 10% of the state’s police personnel are permitted leave to manage the anticipated traffic.

Focus will be on ensuring smooth traffic flow on major routes like the AMJ Highway.

 The Sun Malaysia