Bandar Seri Begawan - Two Malaysian men were charged at the Magistrate's Court in the capital yesterday for having on them dangerous weapons without permit within the country's jurisdiction.

Dressed in uniform whilst presented in court, it was heard that the duo, Eddy Sokri bin Ibi, 24, along with Mohammad Shazlan bin Kula, 22, were caught with a Bennelli pump action shotgun at the Immigration Complex, Kampong Ujong Jalan in the Temburong District on September 19, 2012 at around 5pm.

Under the country's laws, the possession of such an arm or any of a similar nature without a license issued by the licensing officer is a breach of Rule 2 of the Arms and Explosives Rules of the Arms- and Explosives Act, Chapter 58.

The offence is punishable under rule 17(1) of the said rules and carries an imprisonment penalty of not less than five years and not more than 15 years and shall also be punished with whipping with not less than three strokes and not more than 12 strokes.

In court, it was stated that the Royal Brunei Police Force are still currently investigating and have yet to record the statements of their employers who are based in Lawas.

A total of one week was requested by the Deputy Public Prosecutor, Nor Hafizah binti Ahmad, before the trial can continue and for the defendants' pleas to be recorded.

Presiding Senior Magistrate has ordered for the two to be remanded at the Temburong Police Station and September 29, 2012 has been scheduled for their next court appearance.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin