Police Operate 'Voluntary Illegal Weapons Reporting Period' Throughout May

Exemption from Criminal and Administrative Liability if Reported Within the Period

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] The National Police Agency announced on the 1st that, from the 4th to the 28th of this month, it will operate a "Voluntary Surrender Period for Illegal Weapons" in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of National Defense, and Ministry of the Interior and Safety.

The targets for voluntary surrender include all illegal weapons such as firearms, explosives (gunpowder, dynamite, live ammunition, shells, etc.), swords, spray devices, electronic shockers, and crossbows that are possessed without permission or whose possession permits have been revoked.

If reported during the voluntary surrender period, criminal and administrative liabilities will, in principle, be exempted. Those who wish to possess the weapons can go through a verification process to obtain permission.

Reports can be made by the individual or a proxy by submitting the illegal weapons to a nearby police station (including district police stations and police boxes) or military units where reporting offices are established. If it is difficult to submit the items during the reporting period due to unavoidable circumstances, prior reporting by phone or mail followed by submission of the actual items is also allowed.

The police plan to conduct nationwide intensive crackdowns on illegal weapons throughout June after the voluntary surrender period ends. In particular, since September 19 of last year, penalties for illegal manufacturing, sale, or possession of firearms have been strengthened to imprisonment for 3 to 15 years or fines ranging from 30 million to 150 million KRW. A reward of up to 5 million KRW will be paid to those who report illegal weapons.

A police official urged, "If you find someone in possession of illegal weapons around you, please report immediately to 112 or the nearest police station."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.