4 Hongkongers arrested over producing parts for high-powered airguns to ship overseas

Police also raided two industrial buildings in Tuen Mun that were suspected to be used as manufacturing workshops and storage centres.

Four “large” machines used for manufacturing airgun parts, 15 partially assembled pre-charged pneumatic airguns and more than 100 partially assembled parts were seized.

Officers also found more than 150 related components, eight compressed gas cylinders, 30 airgun barrels, over 150 boxes of lead pellets, more than 220 pieces of metal raw materials, eight computers and 13 phones.

Two men aged 39 and 40 were arrested and charged with conspiracy to deal in firearms or ammunition without a licence.

Police also arrested a 30-year-old woman and a 50-year-old man in Yuen Long and Kwai Chung on the same charges, with police suspecting the pair helped to run the group’s operations and ship parts overseas.

Preliminary assessment by police ballistics experts estimated the seized airguns had a muzzle energy exceeding 50 joules, with further examinations ongoing.

The city has a legal limit of two joules of power for airguns. One that produces more than two joules is considered a firearm under Hong Kong law.

The two charged suspects will appear in Tuen Mun Court on Thursday.

The other two have been released on bail pending further investigation.

A police spokesman said further arrests were possible.