BANGI: Unfazed by a recent crackdown on imitation firearms known as "gel blasters", a man was caught brazenly selling the items to the public at his stall here in Bandar Baru Bangi.
The man even displayed a signboard, boldly stating that the imitation firearms were for sale to anyone.
The seller, in his 40s, had also set up a "shooting range" just next to his stall and charged children and adults a nominal fee to play with the toy firearms and entice buyers.
His operation came to an end when he, as well as another seller in Little Bangi, were arrested in a sting conducted by the federal police Internal Security and Public Order Department Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Investigations and Intelligence (WCB/PSK).
The operation was part of a nationwide swoop against the rampant sale of imitation firearms that could be used to commit crime.
Plainclothes policemen approached the seller, who also boasted a significant following on TikTok, and expressed interest in buying his items.
The man assured them that the items were "just toy guns", despite being aware of the legal consequences of selling them.
When police later identified themselves in the raid, the seller maintained his innocence, saying they were just hobby items.
He claimed to have received his stock from a supplier who was apparently arrested during the initial crackdown last month.
Speaking to police, the seller admitted that he was aware of the police crackdown against the imitation firearms.
However, he said he had no choice but to sell them anyway to get rid of his existing stock.
A search of his premises uncovered 105 imitation firearms, including one bearing a striking resemblance to the Heckler & Koch MP5 submachine gun used by the police.
The premises also sold accessories for buyers to upgrade their "weapons", which included customised rail attachments, scopes, tactical light, laser designators and grips.
He claimed that the items were purchased from the supplier at one-third of the shelf price.
Among the imitation firearms seized were G&G ARP9 air guns that resembled the M4 carbine and PDX assault rifle.
The man claimed that he previously sold perfume but switched to selling toy guns several months ago due to their popularity.
He claimed that he could easily make between RM300 and RM400 a day through sales of the toys.