37 Italian look-alike firearms seized by DRI

After receiving a specific input from the intelligence agencies that few parcels carrying look-alike firearms, used in firing blanks that are popular among the criminals, could reach Foreign Post office. Acting on the input, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seized a total of 34 look-alike pistols and 3 look-alike revolvers from three post parcels at the Foreign Post Office.

According to Sandeep M Bhatnagar, Principal Additional Director General,  they have seized look-alike firearms that were imported from France and were mis-declared as ‘Blank Sound Toys’. “These look-alike firearms included Bruni Mod 85 Cal 9 mm pistols, New Police Cal 9 PAK pistols and Bruni Mod Revolvers, all made in Italy,” he added. These imported firearms are exact replicas of the regular weapons. However, these look-alikes come with “muzzle constrictors” and can be used in firing blanks. The detection of unauthorised import of look-alike firearms close to the Republic Day celebrations has been informed to the Delhi Police. “We have received a specific input about the import after which we have kept a tight vigil on all the consignments received at the Foreign Post Office. When three post parcels landed at the Foreign Post Office that was having a caption — Blank Sound Toys, the parcels were scanned and the look-alike firearms were detected. The postal address of Delhi where it was supposed to be delivered was found to be fake,” a source in DRI said.

Further investigation is underway to identify the culprit who has sent these parcels. Concerned authorities have been informed who have joined the probe, he added.