Criminal Cases Arising From Use of Gel Blasters or Imitation Guns as Fake Firearms and Public Safety Concerns

Mr Derrick Goh asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) to date, whether there are more reports of criminal cases arising from the use of gel blasters or imitation guns as fake firearms in Singapore; (b) whether there has been an uptick of police cases and reported injuries due to the use of gel-blasters in public spaces; and (c) whether the Ministry foresees emerging concerns about gel-blasters in relation to public safety and criminal activities.

The number of cases involving the use of imitation arms, including toy guns like gel blasters, remains low in Singapore. In the past 10 years, there were two convictions involving imitation arms, for offences under the Arms Offences Act, Arms and Explosives Act, and the Penal Code. There were no injuries reported.

Using imitation arms to commit robbery or extortion is a serious offence under the Arms Offences Act. The offender can be jailed for up to 10 years and be liable for caning of no fewer than three strokes.