Tourist Police Arrest Monk for Illegal Firearms Trade

[Georgealbert]

 

 

Under the direction of the Tourist Police Bureau, a recent operation led to the arrest of a monk involved in illegal firearm trading in Chachoengsao province. The arrest was orchestrated by high-ranking officers, including Pol. Lt. Gen. Sakthira Phuakyam, Commissioner of the Tourist Police, and other senior officials.

 

The incident unfolded following a tip from an informant who reported suspicious activities involving a monk allegedly engaged in firearms trade within a local temple. Upon receiving the tip, officers from Division 2, Tourist Police Bureau 1, led by Pol. Capt. Krittaporn Saengsura, moved into position near the temple to observe.

 

After spotting the monk, who matched the informant’s description, officers approached him outside his lodging. A search revealed two homemade firearms, a .22 caliber gun and a .38 caliber gun, along with 23 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition and six rounds of .38 caliber ammunition. The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Mr. Krai Rerk Khomwan, admitted to possessing the weapons and confessed that he had planned to sell them for 10,000 baht.

 

Following his initial confession, the investigation was expanded to his residence. A further search uncovered a Colt .45 caliber handgun along with 25 rounds of matching ammunition.

 

The monk was taken to the temple’s abbot to be defrocked and was subsequently charged with unauthorised possession of firearms and ammunition. He confessed to all charges and was handed over to Bang Pakong Police Station for further legal proceedings.

 

Picture courtesy of TMN

-- 2024-11-15