Police Operate 'Voluntary Illegal Weapons Reporting Period' Throughout April

Police Agency building. (Photo by Police Agency)

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] The National Police Agency announced on the 29th that it will operate a 'Voluntary Reporting Period for Illegal Weapons' in cooperation with the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety throughout April.

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weapons include all illegal weapons such as firearms possessed without permission or whose possession permits have been revoked, explosives (gunpowder, dynamite, live ammunition, shells, etc.), swords, spray devices, electronic shock devices, crossbows, and others.

If reported during the voluntary reporting period, criminal and administrative liabilities will, in principle, be exempted. If the individual wishes to possess the weapon and has no disqualifications, they can obtain a permit after going through the verification process.

Reports can be made by the individual or a proxy by submitting the illegal weapons to the nearest police station (including district units and police boxes) or military units where reporting offices are established. If it is difficult to submit the items within 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 in May after the voluntary reporting period ends. Manufacturing, selling, or possessing firearms illegally can result in imprisonment from 3 to 15 years or fines ranging from 30 million to 150 million KRW. A reward of up to 5 million KRW will be given to those who report illegal weapons leading to arrests.

A police official urged, "If you find someone possessing 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.