Sagar Biswas :
Security experts have expressed concern at the alleged import of “used and refurbished” guns without serial numbers through the green channel in the name of brand new items by the deceitful traders.
It is also alleged that these traders are siphoning off a huge amount of money to their desired countries by forging the documents where the guns are purchased in low price, but the importers show high invoice rate apparently to dodge the government.
In the latest incident, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate seized 19 “used” firearms at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport [HSIA] in the city on Tuesday. Just two days ago on July 9, the CIID seized two pistols at HSIA for the same reason.
Of the total 21 seized guns, 16 are German-made Walther PP brand blowback-operated semi-automatic pistols and the rest five are high caliber HK-4 Heckler & Koch] brand, also made in Germany.
Significantly, the pistols of both brands were imported by Emran Arms and Company from Italy. The firm had purchased the guns through online buying system around two years back, officials said.
In the first consignment, they imported 58 arms, of them 21 are “refurbished”. Not only that, the unique serial numbers engraved on the body–barrel and but are not the same. In all 21 pistols, the body parts are carrying different serial numbers.
Against this backdrop, the CIID has formed a three-member probe committee to thoroughly investigate the incident.
The committee members on Wednesday quizzed Md Nur Uddin Emran, owner of Emran Arms and Company. They also checked the import documents and stock lot of the importer at his Baitul Mukarram shop. When contacted, Director General of CIID Dr Moinul Khan told The New Nation yesterday night that country’s existing law did not permit to bring old and refurbished firearms. “Apart from CIID officials, arms experts of different agencies including, Rapid Action Battalion, Special Branch, National Security Intelligence and Directorate General of Forces Intelligence, were present there. We seized the guns in accordance to their suggestions,” the DG said.
Official sources said that C&F agent MM Traders is now trying to get delivery of the consignment.
Expressing anxiety, the CIID DG said, “We fear that the arms could go to the underworld operatives as there are no serial numbers. These are highly risky…We can’t allow these sorts of guns for the sake of State security.”
About the probe committee, the CIID chief said, “We would go for legal action including filing of case after getting report from the probe committee.”
On the other hand, owner of Emran Arms and Company Md Nur Uddin Emran told The New Nation last night, “I’ve purchased the arms two years ago through online buying. It took such a long time for necessary arrangements, including preparing the documents.”
Meanwhile, the gunrunners are bringing the firearms amid rising demand from underworld operatives for creating violence in the country despite strong security measures.
Increasing use of small firearms in different criminal activities, including murder, robbery and extortion, have also increased the smuggling of firearms which are controlled by some powerful syndicates, sources said.
According to the sources, about 40 syndicates are operating to deal with illegal fire arms in capital city Dhaka and these syndicates keep constant contacts with the gunrunners and legal gun traders. Presently, in local market it takes for any person without ID to buy illegal weapons on Facebook pages dedicated to the sale. There are dozens of pages on Facebook where guns are for sale, including semi-automatic weapons, handguns, and silencers.
