Jeonnam Police Operate 'Voluntary Reporting Period for Illegal Weapons'

Strengthened Punishments for Illegal Firearm Possession Since September Last Year, Urging Active Reporting During This Period

Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency building exterior

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] The Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency announced that, in order to prevent the occurrence of terrorism and violent crimes caused by illegal weapons, it will operate a voluntary reporting period for illegal weapons from the 4th for 28 days in cooperation with related ministries including the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of National Defense, and Ministry of the Interior and Safety.

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weapons include all illegal weapons such as firearms possessed without permission or whose possession permits have been revoked, explosives (gunpowder, explosives, live ammunition, shells, etc.), blades, spray devices, electronic shock devices, and crossbows.

If reported during this voluntary reporting period, criminal and administrative liabilities will 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 within the reporting period due to unavoidable circumstances, prior reporting by phone or mail followed by submission of the actual items is also possible.

The police plan to conduct a nationwide intensive crackdown on illegal weapons throughout June after this voluntary reporting period ends.

In particular, since September 19 of last year, penalties for illegally manufacturing, selling, or possessing firearms have been strengthened from imprisonment of up to 10 years or fines up to 20 million won to imprisonment of 3 to 15 years or fines ranging from 30 million won to 150 million won.

The Jeonnam police emphasized once again not to miss this opportunity and to report without omission, and urged that if anyone is found possessing illegal weapons nearby, to immediately report to 112 or the nearest police station.