A 23-year-old Singaporean woman has been sentenced to four months’ jail and fined S$1,000 after admitting to possessing a live ammunition round without a valid licence.
The case also revealed that the woman, identified as Jermaine Lim, had previously 3D-printed a gun-like object with a functioning trigger mechanism, although the firearm was later found to be incomplete and non-functional.
Another charge linked to the 3D-printed gun was taken into consideration during sentencing on May 8, 2026.
The unusual case first surfaced after Lim was arrested during a drug raid in December 2024. During the operation, police officers discovered a live 5.56mm-calibre round alongside several 3D-printed items, including a firearm replica.
Investigators later uncovered that the bullet had been purchased from a church acquaintance for just S$20.
Live Ammunition Bought From Church Friend
Court documents showed that a 23-year-old man, Javier Tan, had earlier obtained the live round from one of his schoolmates while studying at Republic Polytechnic in late 2021 or early 2022.
Tan and Lim reportedly met through church activities in 2022 and bonded over their shared interest in military-related items and tactical equipment.
According to reports, Tan contacted Lim after seeing a photograph of the 3D-printed gun posted on her Instagram account. He later sold the live ammunition round to her for S$20.
The transaction eventually came to light after Lim informed investigators that Tan had supplied her with the bullet.
Tan was subsequently prosecuted and, in January 2025, sentenced to three months’ jail and fined S$1,000 for abetting the offence.
3D-Printed Gun Had Working Trigger Mechanism
Investigations revealed that Lim had produced the 3D-printed firearm around 2022.
While the object was not capable of firing live rounds, reports stated that it included several firearm-like components such as a working trigger and a spring mechanism capable of producing sound when operated.
A forensic examination later confirmed that the gun was incomplete because critical parts including the bolt assembly and firing pin were missing.
Court documents also noted that the Singapore Armed Forces confirmed that the seized 5.56mm-calibre round matched ammunition types stocked in SAF armouries, specifically those bearing the “CBC 09” headstamp.
Singapore Maintains Strict Weapons Laws
Singapore has some of the strictest firearms and ammunition laws in the world, with severe penalties imposed even for possessing a single live round without authorisation.
Under Singapore law, unauthorised possession of ammunition can result in up to three years’ imprisonment and fines of up to S$5,000.
The case has also raised concerns surrounding the growing accessibility of 3D-printing technology and how it can potentially be misused to create firearm-related objects or imitation weapons.
Authorities continue to monitor illegal possession of weapons, ammunition and firearm components closely, particularly as 3D-printing equipment becomes increasingly affordable and widely available.