Gwangju Police Operate 'Voluntary Illegal Weapons Reporting Period' for April

Enforcement Plan Starting from May

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] The Gwangju Metropolitan Police Agency (Chief Kim Gyotae) announced on the 30th that it will operate a voluntary reporting period for illegal weapons throughout April.

This is to prevent potential terrorism and crimes caused by various illegal weapons in advance.

The reporting targets include all illegal weapons such as firearms possessed without permission or whose possession permits have been revoked, explosives (bombs, gunpowder, live ammunition, shells, etc.), blades, spray devices, electronic shock devices, crossbows, and more.

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.

The individual or their proxy can submit illegal weapons to the nearest police station, police substation, or police box, or to military units where reporting offices are installed.

In special circumstances, it is possible to report by phone or mail first and then submit the actual item, and for those who have difficulty visiting police stations such as persons with disabilities, police officers will visit the site directly to receive the items for convenience.

The Gwangju Police Agency plans to conduct intensive crackdowns on illegal weapons for one month in May after the voluntary reporting period ends.

A Gwangju Police Agency official said, “Since September 2019, penalties for illegally manufacturing, selling, or possessing firearms have been strengthened to imprisonment from 3 to 15 years or fines ranging from 30 million to 100 million won,” and urged, “Do not miss this opportunity and report without omission.”

They also requested, “If you find someone possessing illegal weapons nearby, please report immediately to 112 or the nearest police station.”

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