As many as 32 air rifles and pistols which were imported from the US have been seized by the Customs officials here.
These pistols had come in two parcels from the US and during their examination at the Foreign Post Office, seven air rifles and 25 air pistols were recovered, Commissioner of Air Cargo Export S R Baruah said today.
"These pistols are made of metal body and strongly suspected that it can be modified to fire bullets. These pistols can also be used by unscrupulous elements in highway robberies and to scare the people," he said.
These seized guns are of Pietro Beretta Gardone and Parabellum Pistol, models and capable of firing upto 274 metres, the official said.
These parcels were detected earlier this month. In another case reported last month, the officials had seized spare parts of air guns like barrels, firing mechanism, wooden and plastic buts, high pressure gas cylinders from examination of six parcels.
In this case, the importer's premises were searched and some incriminating documents had been seized, Baruah said.
These spare parts are allowed to be imported by national Rifle Association for supply to eligible shooters, renowned shooters, Arjuna Award winners and other target shooters in accordance with guidelines issued by the Home Ministry.
The importer during investigation has admitted that he does not possessed valid documents, he said.
Over 20,000 speed post and registered parcels including letter mails are being handled in a day at Foreign Post office here. These includes letter mails, bonafide gifts, goods, drugs, medicines and other items.
