SINGAPORE — An auxiliary police officer who carried a loaded revolver to several shopping malls before his arrest has pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition, CNA reported.

The officer, 29-year-old Heng Jun Hao, had gone to watch a movie with the weapon and intended to take his own life afterwards, the court heard.

Heng pleaded guilty to one charge under the Arms Offences Act for carrying a revolver and 10 rounds of ammunition, and another for mischief after cutting his electronic monitoring tag. Two other charges will be considered during sentencing.

He joined Certis Cisco Security in October 2023 and was attached to the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore at Changi Airport. 

According to CNA, Heng had been gambling since the age of 20, and his habit worsened over the years.

On May 8, 2024, Heng’s girlfriend ended their relationship after discovering he had continued gambling despite promising to stop. 

The following day, he reported for duty and was issued a.38 Taurus revolver, 10 rounds of ammunition, and an extendable baton.

After completing his shift, Heng took the loaded revolver, ammunition and baton from his holster, placed them in his backpack, and left for Sim Lim Square. He later visited Bugis Junction and Bugis+ before watching a movie at the Bugis+ cinema around 9.30pm.

At 8.35pm, a system alert was triggered after Heng failed to return his firearm. Certis personnel were unable to locate him and subsequently informed the police.

A manhunt involving more than 100 officers was launched. Heng was arrested along Victoria Street shortly after midnight, and the weapon was recovered.

During investigations, Heng admitted that he had taken the firearm because he intended to kill himself with it. 

He later cut his electronic tag as he planned to drown himself after losing his job on October 14, 2024.

The case has been adjourned for mitigation and sentencing.

Under the Arms Offences Act, unlawful possession of any arm or ammunition carries a jail term of between five and 14 years and at least six strokes of the cane. For mischief, offenders may face up to two years’ jail, a fine, or both.