BESUT: A 37-year-old factory operator here was detained yesterday for possessing and distributing firecrackers in the district.
A team of policemen from the Kampung Raja police station had raided the suspect's house near Kg Gong Bayor Kubang Ikan in Kg Raja here, and discovered illegal firecrackers worth RM10,000.
The raiding party was acting on a tip-off, and seized the firecrackers during the 4am operation. The suspect was alone in the house at the time.
“The suspect claimed that the firecrackers belong to his nephew. We are now trying to track down the suspect's nephew, identified as Mi,” district police chief superintendent Mohd Zamri Mohd Rowi told reporters at a press conference at the station today.
He said the firecrackers were kept in 20 boxes and gunny sacks, and comprise illegal items such as Artilley Shells, Happy Boom, Disco Flash, Candela China, Boom, Assorted Cakes, King Boom, Neptune, Magical Shots and Ball firecrackers.
The case is being investigated under Section 8 of the Explosives Act 1957 for possession of unlawful explosive materials, and if convicted, the suspect could face up to seven years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to RM10,000, or both.
The suspect was taken to the Kampung Raja police station where his statement was recorded. He was remanded for four days until June 11 to assist in the investigation.
"We believe the firecrackers were smuggled in from a neighbouring country for the coming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration," Zamri added.