Jeonnam Police Operate 'Voluntary Reporting Period for Illegal Weapons'

Significant Strengthening of Penalties for Unauthorized Firearm Possession, Urgent Call for Active Reporting

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

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weapons include all illegal weapons such as firearms possessed without permission or whose possession permits have been revoked, explosives (gunpowder, explosives, live ammunition, shells, etc.), blades, sprayers, electronic shock devices, and crossbows.

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 reporting method is for the individual or a proxy to submit the illegal weapons to the nearest police station (police station, district unit, or police substation) or a military unit where a reporting office is installed.

If it is difficult to submit illegal weapons during the reporting period due to unavoidable circumstances, prior reporting by phone or mail followed by submission of the actual item is also possible.

A Jeonnam Police Agency official urged, "After this voluntary reporting period ends, a nationwide intensive crackdown on illegal weapons is planned for the entire month of October, so please report all illegal weapons during this voluntary reporting period."

He added, "If you find someone possessing illegal weapons around you, please immediately report to 112 or the nearest police station."

Meanwhile, according to the amendment to the Firearms and Gunpowder Act on September 19, 2019, penalties for illegally manufacturing, selling, or possessing firearms have been strengthened from imprisonment of up to 10 years or a fine of up to 20 million won to imprisonment of 3 years to 15 years or a fine of 30 million won to 100 million won.

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