CIB Apprehends Arms Trafficking Broker in Cross-Border Weapons Case

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of CIB.

 

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), led by the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), has successfully arrested a key figure in an international arms trafficking operation. Under the direction of Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphop Bhuridej, Commissioner of the CIB, the operation culminated in the apprehension of a 49-year-old woman, known as “Madam Tumm,” in Umphang district, Tak province.

 

The suspect was detained under a warrant issued by the Criminal Court on 25 December 2024. She is accused of multiple offences, including the possession, importation, and distribution of firearms and ammunition prohibited by Thai law, as well as handling stolen goods. Evidence seized during the arrest included two mobile phones, a bank account ledger, and bank transaction records.

 

The investigation began in December 2022, when CSD officers arrested Pol. Sgt. Narubet and eight accomplices for stealing M16A1 rifles stored in the Bang Khen Border Patrol Police Armoury. The stolen weapons were subsequently sold to various buyers, including Karen military forces.

 

Further investigations led to the arrest of Pol. Lt. Col. Nakharin in February 2023, who admitted to acting as an intermediary for the sale of the weapons to Madam Tumm. He also disclosed that Sergeant Major Kittisak had supplied him with 43 M16A1 rifles from the Bang Khen armoury over two transactions, valued at over 3 million baht.

 

Police surveillance and intelligence gathering revealed that Madam Tumm was residing in Umphang district, Tak province. After obtaining a search warrant from Mae Sot Provincial Court, officers raided the suspect’s residence, where she confirmed her identity and the charges against her.

 

The arresting officers informed the suspect of her rights before detaining her. She and the seized evidence were transferred to the Crime Suppression Division for further legal proceedings.

 

This arrest highlights a significant breakthrough in dismantling a cross-border arms trafficking network. Authorities continue to investigate the suspect’s connections to other criminal elements and the broader scope of illegal weapons distribution.

 

-- 2025-01-19