Jeonnam Police Agency to Operate Voluntary Surrender Period for Illegal Weapons in April

Voluntary Reporting of Illegal Weapons
Exemption from Penalties for Self-Reporting

The Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency (Chief Mo Sangmyo) announced on the 31st that it will operate a voluntary reporting period for illegal weapons throughout April in cooperation with the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety to prevent crimes and accidents caused by illegal weapons in advance.

The items subject to voluntary reporting include all types of illegal weapons possessed without a permit or whose permits have been revoked, such as firearms and explosives (gunpowder, explosives, live ammunition, shells, etc.), swords, spray devices, stun guns, and crossbows.

Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency Building Exterior View

If reported voluntarily during the period, criminal and administrative penalties will, in principle, be exempted. If the person wishes to possess the weapon, they may obtain a permit after undergoing verification procedures such as checking for disqualifying reasons as stipulated in the Firearms and Explosives Control Act.

Reporting can be done by the individual or a representative by visiting a nearby police station, precinct, substation, or a military unit operating a reporting center and submitting the illegal weapon. If a representative submits the weapon, they must explain their relationship to the owner and the reason for submitting on their behalf to the reporting center. If it is difficult to submit the illegal weapon during the reporting period due to unavoidable circumstances, arrangements for submission can be made by contacting the relevant police station.

After the voluntary reporting period ends, those caught manufacturing, selling, or possessing illegal weapons may face imprisonment of at least 3 years and up to 15 years, or a fine of at least 30 million won and up to 100 million won, in accordance with the Firearms and Explosives Control Act. If a person is reported and apprehended for possessing illegal weapons, a reward of up to 5 million won may be given to the informant.

Additionally, the Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency has produced and is distributing voluntary reporting posters translated into five languages (English, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Russian) in an effort to encourage voluntary reporting of illegal weapons by foreign residents.

A representative of the Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency stated, "Through the operation of the voluntary reporting system for illegal weapons, we will promptly recover illegal weapons that pose a threat to public safety," and added, "We will continue to crack down on the possession of illegal weapons and strive to prevent weapon-related incidents and ensure public safety."

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