Police bust online gun-selling ring in China, 27 held

Police in northeast China have busted a gang illegally selling guns through a popular social network as they took into custody 27 people and seized more than 100 guns.
The 27 suspects have been detained for allegedly manufacturing, selling and possessing guns without licenses in Dalian in Liaoning Province.
In addition, 105 guns, more than 1,200 bullets and 147 gun components were seized, state-run Xinhua news agency reported today.
In August and September last year, online trades in cartridge cases and gunpowder in the city caught the attention of police.
Investigation showed that a gang was manufacturing guns, selling them through WeChat, a popular social media app and social network service, and delivering them by courier service.

The suspects were caught in January in 13 cities across the country.
Manufacture and sale of guns is banned in China, and members of the general public are not allowed to own guns.
Anyone found guilty of owning a gun can face up to seven years in prison.