Overview of the Case

In a shocking case that highlights the implications of importing toy firearms, a Singaporean man, Liu Huijian, was sentenced to nine days in jail on November 15 for illegally importing toy guns that closely resembled real firearms.

Discovery of Dangerous Toys

During police raids of his residence, officials discovered over 150 toy guns and parts, leading to his conviction after a grueling 43-day trial. The 44-year-old was found guilty of unlawfully importing these toy weapons, which were deemed potentially dangerous.

Health Sciences Authority Involvement

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) was called upon to assess the toys. Their analysis revealed that at least one of Liu's toy guns utilized a spring or battery mechanism to shoot gel, rubber, or plastic pellets. Disturbingly, HSA experts indicated a significant risk of eye injuries associated with these types of projectiles.

Illegal Purchases and Sales

Court documents revealed that Liu had made the questionable decision to purchase "50 plus" toy guns through the popular Chinese retail platform Taobao, which were then shipped directly to Singapore via a logistics company. After acquiring these toy firearms without the necessary permits, he proceeded to sell them through the online marketplace Carousell, turning a dangerous hobby into what the Deputy Public Prosecutor, Cheah Wenjie, described as "a home-based business."

The Dramatic Turn of Events

The case took a dramatic turn when one of Liu's buyers, Mr. Kui Jun Hua, ordered parts through Carousell. After an initial delivery arrangement via Grab, the driver, Tan Chee Pheow, became suspicious due to the unexpected heft of the package. Alarmed, he requested that Liu open the box and ultimately decided to cancel the delivery upon discovering a gun-like object inside. This red flag led Tan to inform Grab about his unsettling experience.

Police Action and Trial

Following this incident, Liu communicated with Mr. Kui, expressing his relief that the police had not been alerted and admitting he was "scared." However, unperturbed by the warning signs, Mr. Kui opted for another delivery attempt via Grab. This driver, upon receiving a call from a Grab operator informing him of the possibility of a firearm inside, promptly delivered the package to the nearest police station. Authorities discovered a pellet gun within the box, prompting immediate police action.

Conclusion and Warning

The May 2023 trial revealed that Liu chose to represent himself and refused to provide testimony or call any defense witnesses. This case underscores the potential dangers and legal repercussions of importing imitation firearms, even for seemingly harmless purposes. Liu's actions serve as a critical reminder in a world where the line between play and danger can sometimes blur.