Jeonnam Police to Operate 'Voluntary Illegal Weapons Reporting Period' Starting Next Month 1

Since September Last Year, Strengthened Punishments for Unauthorized Firearm Possession and Urgent Call for Active Reporting During This Period

Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency building exterior

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Kim Chunsu] The Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency announced on the 31st that, in order to proactively prevent terrorism and violent crimes caused by illegal weapons, it will operate a voluntary illegal weapons reporting period from the 1st to the 30th of next month in cooperation with related ministries including the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of National Defense, and Ministry of the Interior and Safety.

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weapons include all illegal weapons such as firearms possessed without permission or whose possession permits have been revoked, explosives (gunpowder, explosives, live ammunition, shells, etc.), swords, spray devices, electronic shockers, crossbows, and others.

If reported during this voluntary reporting period, criminal and administrative liabilities will, in principle, be exempted, and if the individual wishes to possess the weapon, permission will be granted after a verification process for disqualifications.

To report, the individual or a proxy can submit the illegal weapons to the nearest police station (police station, district unit, or police box) or a military unit where a reporting office is established. If it is difficult to submit the illegal weapons within the reporting period due to unavoidable circumstances (such as COVID-19 infection or testing), prior reporting by phone or mail followed by submission of the actual items is also possible.

Since September 19 of last year, penalties for illegally manufacturing, selling, or possessing firearms have been strengthened from imprisonment of up to 10 years or fines up to 20 million won to imprisonment of 3 to 15 years or fines ranging from 30 million won to 150 million won. They strongly emphasized not to miss this opportunity and to report all illegal weapons without exception.

The Jeonnam police urged, "After this voluntary reporting period ends, a nationwide intensive crackdown on illegal weapons is planned throughout October, so please report all illegal weapons during this voluntary reporting period."

They added, "If you find someone in possession of illegal weapons nearby, please immediately report to 112 or the nearest police station."

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