National Police Agency Operates 'First Voluntary Report Period for Illegal Weapons' Throughout April

Creation of Posters in 5 Languages
Activation of Voluntary Reporting by Foreigners

The National Police Agency announced on the 1st that, in order to prevent terrorism and crimes caused by illegal weapons in advance, it will operate the first voluntary illegal weapons reporting period jointly with the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety for the entire month of April.

The targets include all illegal weapons such as firearms possessed without permission or whose possession permits have been revoked, explosives (gunpowder, explosives, live ammunition, shells, etc.), swords, sprayers, electronic shock devices, crossbows, and more.

During the voluntary reporting period, in principle, punishment and administrative sanctions will be exempted, and if the individual wishes to possess the weapon, they can obtain permission after undergoing a verification process for disqualifying factors.

Afterwards, manufacturing, selling, or possessing illegal weapons may result in imprisonment of 3 to 15 years or a fine ranging from 30 million to 100 million KRW upon detection, according to the Firearms and Gunpowder Act.

Starting this year, the police will also produce and distribute voluntary reporting posters translated into five languages (English, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, Russian) to encourage voluntary reporting among foreigners residing in the country.

To report, the individual or a proxy can submit illegal weapons to a nearby police station (police station, precinct, or police box) or a military unit where a reporting office is established.

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.

A National Police Agency official stated, “Through the operation of the voluntary reporting period, we aim to eradicate illegal weapons that cause social instability, and we will continue to make efforts to prevent firearm accidents and ensure safety in the future.”