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Police seize 12 illicit pistols upon tip-off

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-10-27 21:48

XI'NING: Police have seized 12 homemade pistols in northwest China's Qinghai Province and arrested five suspects, the provincial public security department said Tuesday.

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Police in Hualong County, acting on tips, captured the five Saturday morning who were in the middle of a transaction on the roadside. They seized 12 pistols in imitation of Type 64 and 32,400 yuan (US$4,743) of illicit money, a department officer said.

Police also seized three motorbikes used by the suspects for the trading. The case is under further investigation.

The department officer did not give further details on the case.

Possession of guns is illegal in China. According to the country's Criminal Law, those who manufacture and trade in guns illegally shall be sentenced to 3-10 years in prison, or even death in serious circumstances.