Marking a progressive step towards ensuring public safety, Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Phuridej launched an operation aimed at eradicating illegal firearms distribution throughout the length and breadth of Thailand. Collaborating with an elite task force of over 800 officers, named “Hanuman”, from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), this crackdown came on the heels of a sharp spike in the online trading of weapons ranging from illegal firearms to homemade guns, not excluding the modified versions and blank guns.
This commendable initiative, which covers a total of 114 identified targets in 47 provinces, focusses primarily on the arrest and subsequent prosecution of anyone found guilty of illegal possession, use, or sale of such unlawful weapons. Every CIB division, as Jiraphop stated, has been instructed to mobilise its forces with an aim to systematically dismantle the criminal activities prevalent. A special emphasis is being placed on apprehending those involved in the illicit sale and possession of firearms. This crackdown owes its inception to the concerning rise in the illegal use of these weapons, often legally acquired, leading to a spate of violent crimes across various regions.
Lieutenant General Jiraphop particularly drew attention to a disconcerting case involving a 14-year-old juvenile opening fire in a shopping centre, causing multiple fatalities and serious injuries, amplifying the urgent need for this crackdown. With a chunk of these illegal trades being conducted online, KhaoSod reported that the demand to seize these weapons has become more pressing than ever. The results of these search missions will be aggregated, analysed, and subsequently announced.
This operation represents a robust stride towards mitigating the rampant illegal firearms trade. This sector has drawn major concerns post recent violent incidents perpetrated by juveniles. A notable incident leading to this step was the shooting in Siam Paragon. This prompted Thailand to swing into action, initiating an extensive crackdown on blank firearms in a bid to rein in the skyrocketing number of firearm crimes, thereby reinforcing public safety. More details on this story can be accessed HERE.
Taking cues from these incidents, the local police force in Pattaya, two months back, launched a similar onslaught on unlicensed firearms. This operation led to the apprehension and arrest of two individuals on account of illegal ammunition possession. More insights into the story can be procured HERE.
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