A member of Taiwan’s Marine Corps was arrested by police in Pingtung Saturday for allegedly trying to sell a pistol and 20 bullets to an undercover officer for NT$65,000 (US$2,114).

According to Fangliao Precinct Deputy Squadron Chief Hsieh Ming-pang (???), the 21-year-old soldier, surnamed Hsu (?), and a man surnamed Teng (?) were arrested early Saturday after police posing as arms buyers online arranged to meet the suspects at an indoor shrimp fishing restaurant

Along with the pistol and the bullets, Hsieh said police also seized two mobile phones and a vehicle from Hsu and Teng.

According to police, Hsu and Teng posted bail of NT$100,000 each after being indicted by Pingtung prosecutors on charges of violating the Controlling Guns, Ammunition and Knives Act.

Following the arrests, the Navy said in a statement the weapon seized by police from Hsu was not a service weapon, adding that no guns were missing from its armory.

According to the Navy, soldiers found guilty of involvement in such illegal activities will be subject to heavy punishment and dismissal.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel