Increase in Offensive Weapons Brought into Singapore, Including Airsoft Guns and Knuckledusters

SINGAPORE — From January to October 2023, the number of offensive weapons detected in air cargo entering Singapore rose by 67% to 77 cases, compared to 46 cases in the same period in 2022. The spike has been attributed mainly to items like knuckle dusters and slingshots, according to the police and Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) at the Changi Airfreight Centre (CAC) on Dec 13.

These offensive items also include airsoft guns, flick knives, nunchakus, machetes, and pepper sprays. To address this concerning trend, ICA and the police demonstrated the tools and procedures used to detect these items in air cargo. Using data analysis to pinpoint high-risk consignments, all cargo vehicles at CAC pass through a radiographic scanning portal that reveals the contents of each vehicle.

Anomalies in scanned images, such as items with high-density metals (shown in blue), prompt further inspection through X-rays or handheld explosive detection devices. For example, cargo clearance officer Sergeant (2) Muhammad Haikal Mahmood explained that items like knuckle dusters appear in dark blue on the scan due to their density.

The ICA’s handheld devices can also detect traces of explosives and narcotics by swabbing the parcel’s surface with a tester paper. If prohibited items are found, ICA refers cases to relevant authorities, including the police, who may seize the items for investigation.

Those found importing or possessing scheduled weapons face up to five years in jail and six strokes of the cane. In October, several arrests were made, including a man wielding a samurai sword in public and another allegedly attacking police with a stun device. Their homes were found to contain additional restricted items like butterfly knives and flick knives.

To prevent sales of prohibited items, the police have engaged with e-commerce platforms like Lazada, Shopee, and Carousell to detect and remove illegal listings. Prohibited items include knuckle dusters and slingshots, while controlled items like pepper sprays require a permit for import.

For verification on prohibited or controlled items, the public can check the police licensing and regulatory department’s website or contact them at 6835-0000.