Another reason I have 660 for thinking that the smuggling of arms into the "Colony" is not extensive is that there are probably various ways of getting arms into China through Hong Kong. Moreover, the arms smuggled would probably be got from the same source as the ammunition.
And the smuggling of ammunition out of the Colony in any large quantity is impossible, as it has been impounded under a false description as mentioned (four & above). The bulk of all the ammunition held by the dealers is stored at the Government depot under the direct control of the Harbour Master, who would not deliver any except under order from the Governor, or removal permit from the Captain of Police.
It is true that there are large stocks of ammunition in the Colony but they have not been imported recently. They are in the hands of foreigners who used to do a very large business.