12 Kolkata: The Special Task Force (STF) of Kolkata police arrested Chand Ali Sheikh, a major illegal arms dealer, at his hideout in Burdwan on Tuesday night. Sheikh's arrest follows the detention of eight criminals in Anandapur area two weeks ago, who were caught planning a robbery. During interrogation, they identified Sheikh as their primary weapons supplier.According to STF officials, Sheikh operated a sophisticated distribution network, sourcing firearms from multiple dealers in Bihar and selling them for Rs 15,000-20,000 per piece.The weapons were then distributed across various districts, including Murshidabad and Birbhum, through a complex chain of intermediaries. "We are investigating whether these weapons were solely supplied to criminal groups or if they reached terrorist sleeper cells," said a senior STF official.Investigators are analysing Sheikh's mobile phone records to identify his clientele. "We are working closely with Bihar police to identify and apprehend other members of this network," said a senior officer. Authorities have registered cases under various sections of the Arms Act and are expected to produce Sheikh before the local court on Thursday.