A 44-year-old man has been charged in Singapore for illegally importing 154 replica guns without the necessary permit. The accused, Ng Jie Sheng, appeared in the State Courts on March 6 and stated his intention to plead guilty, though he plans to engage legal counsel before his next court hearing on March 27.
According to the charge sheet, Ng is accused of bringing in 84 sets of toy rifles, 70 sets of toy pistols, and 10 sets of toy bullet launchers, along with four boxes of rubber bullets and accessories, between March 14 and May 11, 2023. The case came to light when authorities received a tip-off about replica guns being sold on an e-commerce platform on May 11, 2023.
Following investigations, the police identified the seller and raided a residence along Race Course Lane on May 26, where they seized the imported items.
Under Singapore’s strict gun control laws, the import of replica firearms requires police approval. The authorities have made it clear that any toy or replica guns resembling real firearms will not be approved for importation.
Penalties for violating the Regulation of Imports and Exports Regulations are severe. First-time offenders can be fined up to S$100,000 or three times the value of the imported goods, whichever is higher. They also face up to two years in jail or both. Repeat offenders risk even heavier penalties, with fines reaching up to S$200,000 or four times the value of the goods, and imprisonment of up to three years.
Singapore has stringent regulations on firearm possession, including replica and toy guns, due to national security concerns. Even items that resemble weapons can be used in criminal activities, prompting authorities to enforce strict measures against their unauthorized importation and sale.
While some may argue that toy guns are harmless, the law treats them seriously due to their potential misuse. Cases of criminals using replica guns to intimidate victims or deceive authorities have been reported in other countries, reinforcing Singapore’s cautious stance.
Ng’s case serves as a reminder that even non-lethal firearms, such as airsoft guns and toy replicas, are subject to strict regulations in Singapore. Authorities continue to monitor e-commerce platforms and conduct enforcement actions to prevent unauthorized firearm-related imports.
With Ng’s court proceedings set to continue later this month, the case highlights Singapore’s zero-tolerance approach toward illegal firearm imports, ensuring that even non-lethal replicas do not make their way into public circulation.
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