Police Agency Operates Voluntary Surrender Period for Illegal Weapons Throughout April

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] The National Police Agency announced on the 27th 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 to the 30th of next month. The purpose is to prevent terrorism and crime in advance.

The targets for voluntary reporting of illegal weapons include firearms, explosives (such as dynamite, live ammunition, shells), blades, spray devices, electronic shockers, and crossbows possessed without a permit. Weapons whose permits have been revoked are also included as illegal and subject to reporting. To report, the individual or a proxy must visit a nearby police station or a military unit with a reporting office and submit the illegal weapons. If it is difficult to submit in person during the reporting period, the actual items can also be submitted by phone or mail.

If reported during this voluntary reporting period, criminal and administrative liabilities will be exempted. Under current law, manufacturing, selling, or possessing firearms illegally is punishable by imprisonment of 3 to 15 years or a fine of 30 million to 100 million won. The police plan to grant permits after verifying disqualification reasons if the individual wishes to possess the weapons legally.

A National Police Agency official stated, "After the voluntary reporting period ends, there will be a nationwide crackdown on illegal weapon possession throughout May," and urged, "We ask everyone to report all illegal weapons during this voluntary reporting period." They also added, "If you find someone possessing illegal weapons nearby, please report to 112 or the police station."

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