Keningau:Police have seized 42 air rifles and 456 small boxes of pellets from an oil palm smallholder in a hut during an operation in Sook, Keningau.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the operation, known as "Op Laras," led to the arrest of a 50-year-old local suspect who failed to present a valid license or permit for the weapons. Keningau District Police Chief Supt Erwansyah Abdul Basir stated that the suspect was believed to be selling air rifles in the Keningau district at prices ranging from RM350 to RM500 per rifle.

The pellets were reportedly sold at prices between RM30 and RM50 for each pack containing 10 small boxes. Additionally, police confiscated five camo-patterned gun bags during the operation.

Keningau is located in the interior district of Sabah, approximately 120 kilometers south of Kota Kinabalu. Police are investigating the origins of the weapons and the potential involvement of an international supply network.

The case is being investigated under Section 8(a) of the Firearms Act 1960 for possession of unlicensed weapons, and Section 7 of the Firearms (Penalties) Act 1971 regarding firearm trafficking offenses. Authorities emphasized the seriousness of unlicensed weapon possession and sales, urging the public to report any related information to the police.