Hong Kong police probe syndicate suspected of smuggling air guns to mainland China to be modified into powerful weapons
About 60 Hongkongers among more than 410 people arrested since July in crackdown against the racket
Hong Kong police are investigating a cross-border syndicate suspected of smuggling air guns into mainland China, where they were modified into powerful weapons that can fire bullets and sold online.
The process involves fitting a new barrel, firing pin and magazine. About 60 Hongkongers were among more than 410 people arrested since July in a crackdown against the racket.
Suspects were accused of producing, trafficking and selling guns in more than 20 cities in various provinces, according to the Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department.
There were no arrests in Hong Kong. The Post was told the trade came to light after local authorities exchanged intelligence with authorities across the border.
Mainland police uncovered 10 underground dens used to make gun parts and closed 20 websites that traded illegal weapons and taught buyers how to assemble parts into a firearm. More than 250 home-made pistols, rifles and air guns were confiscated along with a large quantity of ammunition, gun parts and metal pellets.
A parcel carrying what appeared to be an air gun was delivered from Hong Kong and seized in Dongguan in April. That led authorities to arrest more than 50 people and confiscate more than 20 home-made guns, 840 rounds of ammunitions and 40 air guns, together with gun parts.
