SINGAPORE - Two suspected drug offenders have been arrested for the possession of a loaded pistol, which was found by police and Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) officers.

In a press conference on Wednesday (Oct 9), the CNB and police said they had arrested two men, aged 24 and 25, in a joint operation held on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Superintendent Aaron Tang, CNB's director of intelligence division, said the agency had acted on information that the two suspects were involved in "illicit drug activities" and were in possession of firearms.

The police were called in for assistance and officers from both agencies arrested the 24-year-old in the vicinity of Jurong West Street 72 on Tuesday.

The pistol, which was loaded with four bullets, was found in his unit along with four spare bullets, said the police and CNB.

The second man was arrested at about 2.25am on Wednesday in Woodlands Street 13 after further investigations revealed that he knowingly remained in the company of the first man despite being aware of the firearm.

No drugs were found on the two, and the results of their urine analysis are pending.

Superintendent Daniel Wong, deputy head of the special investigation section in the Criminal Investigation Department, said there is nothing to indicate the gun has been fired in Singapore.

Both suspects are Singaporeans and are acquaintances, he added.

Related Story Suspected gun parts found in parcel

Related Story Elderly man arrested for possessing air guns, after shooting metal pellets at Jurong flat

The authorities declined to comment on the origins of the firearm - believed to be a Seahawk pistol.

This is understood to be the first case since 2009 involving the illegal possession of firearms.

The two men will be charged in court on Thursday. Investigations are ongoing.

If found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm, both suspects could be jailed for at least five years and be given at least six strokes of the cane.