Two Arrested for Attempted Sale of Modified Firearms via Social Media

Picture of arrest.

Two young men were apprehended by Metropolitan Police investigators on 23 December, for attempting to sell modified firearms after arranging a transaction via social media. The arrests took place near the Patthavikorn Market on Nawamin Road, Bangkok.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Teeradej Thammasuthee, Commander of the Investigation Division, stated that the operation was conducted in line with the national police policy to crack down on firearm-related crimes, which often lead to serious and violent incidents.

The suspects, identified as Mr. Linda, a 19-year-old Cambodian national, and Mr. Phee aged 17, face charges of illegally possessing and attempting to sell firearms, possessing and carrying weapons in public without proper justification, and carrying illegal knives.

The arrests followed an undercover operation led by Pol. Lt. Col. Somporn Kamket and his team. Police had been monitoring social media platforms for illicit firearm transactions. Acting on a tip-off, authorities learned that Mr. Phee had been using a Facebook account to sell modified firearms. He had offered a customised .380 calibre pistol with ammunition for 12,500 baht and arranged to meet a buyer at the market.

At approximately 19:45 on 23 December, Mr. Phee arrived at the meeting point on a motorcycle driven by Mr. Linda. Police surveillance teams observed the suspects, and when the weapon and ammunition were verified, officers moved in to arrest them.

While attempting to flee, Mr. Linda was also apprehended. A subsequent search revealed an illegal knife in his possession. Both suspects were taken into custody along with the evidence and transported to the Metropolitan Police Bureau for further questioning.

During interrogation, Mr. Phee admitted to selling the firearm, while Mr. Linda claimed he was accompanying Mr. Phee to purchase items in the area and carried the knife for self-defence.

The suspects have been charged with:

• Illegal possession and attempted sale of firearms and ammunition

• Illegal possession of a knife

• Carrying weapons in public without valid justification

They were later handed over to the Bueng Kum Police Station for prosecution under the Firearms and Ammunition Act.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Teeradej highlighted that firearms are often the root cause of violent crimes, including armed robbery and youth violence. He stressed that the Metropolitan Police are committed to tackling illegal firearm trade and warned both buyers and sellers of the severe penalties they face.

For buyers: Purchasing firearms online without authorisation carries penalties of 1-10 years in prison and fines of 2,000-20,000 baht.

For sellers: Manufacturing, assembling, or selling firearms without a licence carries penalties of 2-20 years in prison and fines of 4,000-40,000 baht.

Authorities urged the public to refrain from engaging in illegal firearm transactions and report any suspicious activities to the police.

-- 2024-12-25