2-11-2023 (BANGKOK) In a significant operation, the police executed a raid on two warehouses located in the Rat Burana district of Bangkok, resulting in the seizure of a substantial quantity of imitation guns.
Carrying a warrant issued by the Thon Buri Criminal Court, officers from the Consumer Protection Police Sub-Division 1 launched a thorough search of the warehouses in the Bang Pakok area. The search was prompted by reports that the facilities were being used to store a wide variety of imitation firearms, intended for sale both online and in physical stores.
The police discovered approximately 400 BB guns from various brand names and around 780 associated components, such as magazines and barrels. The total value of the confiscated items is estimated at approximately 4 million Thai Baht.
The seized items have been transported to the Consumer Protection Police Division for further examination. The ongoing investigation will be expanded to identify and take legal action against those involved in this illegal operation.
This action comes in the wake of heightened efforts by authorities to crack down on the unauthorized sale of weapons and to address legal loopholes, particularly in response to a tragic incident on October 3, which saw three lives lost in a shooting at a Bangkok shopping mall.
The teenager responsible for the Siam Paragon shootings had purchased a gun designed to fire blanks online and subsequently had it modified to shoot real bullets. In the immediate aftermath of this incident, the police launched a nationwide, three-day operation, resulting in the seizure of over 2,000 illegal guns, 75,000 bullets, and the arrest of 1,593 suspects.
In light of these events, authorities have made a commitment to strengthen gun controls to mitigate gun-related crimes and enhance public safety.
