Sichuan Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Smuggling Fake Guns

Sichuan Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Smuggling Fake Guns
May 13, 2015 By eChinacities.com

A 19 year old Sichuan man was sentenced to life in prison for attempting to smuggle imitation guns online from a Taiwanese seller. 20 of the gun replicas Liu attempted to smuggle can be classified as weapons. On top of this, the private ownership of gun replicas is illegal in China.

In August 2013, Liu began to discuss matters relating to the purchase of imitation firearms with a Taiwanese online seller. On July 1, 2014, Liu purchased 24 imitation guns and model firearms from the Taiwanese seller's website for 30,000 Yuan.

On July 15, 2014, the Taiwanese seller shipped the replica firearms to Liu, hidden in water dispenser boxes to evade customs. The firearms were handed off through a chain from Taiwan, to Kinmen, Xiamen, and Quanzhou. An import-export company handled issues at customs, but not well enough. A batch of guns were seized by Quanzhou customs officials on July 22.

21 out of the 24 firearms seized have compressed gas-powered projectiles, and 20 have the power to injure others and are therefore classified as weapons. Three of the weapons do not have enough force to injure others, and are classified gun replicas.

Source: inews.qq.com

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Keywords: Sichuan gun smugglin Sichuan gun replica Taiwan gun smuggling

8 Comments

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Englteachted

There's a difference between replicas and toy guns. A replica is made to be exactly the same. Toy guns are easily recognizable as toys; size, color, texture.

May 14, 2015 06:23 Report Abuse

Englteachted

Yes, exactly!

May 15, 2015 07:05 Report Abuse

dokken

If his intention was to reactivate the weapons the sentence Would still be ridiculously excessive. Re activating guns is easier than people think. Didn't sound like they could be reactivated though.

May 13, 2015 21:18 Report Abuse

nashboroguy

I feel sad for this young man. At 19, his life is over. And, for what? Guns that do nothing. Go to any toy store and you will find imitation guns. Go to a street market and you will find gun lighters and other stupid crap. It depends on what the purpose of the purchase was. I really, really, really hope there is more to this story than some kid buying replica guns online.

May 13, 2015 20:47 Report Abuse

Mateusz

Shouldn't he go to imitation prison?

May 13, 2015 20:10 Report Abuse

Robk

Major overkill... LIFE for imitation weapons? They sound like pellet guns or those stupid guns they use at the fairs when you shoot balloons. CCP just doesn't know how to enforce balanced laws or punishment worth a damn.

May 13, 2015 20:05 Report Abuse

Englteachted

I like it, it sends a strong message.

May 14, 2015 06:17 Report Abuse

SwedKiwi1

Sounds a bit harsh for imitation weapons. Maybe the party is getting scared?

May 13, 2015 19:22 Report Abuse