Unauthorized Firearms, Swords, and Crossbows... Police Operate 'Voluntary Surrender Period for Illegal Weapons'

The National Police Agency announced on the 1st that it will operate a "Voluntary Surrender Period for Illegal Weapons" this month in cooperation with the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.

The voluntary surrender targets include firearms, explosives, blades, spray devices, electronic shock devices, crossbows, etc., that are possessed without permission or whose possession permits have been revoked. If surrendered during the designated period, punishment and administrative measures will generally be exempted, and if the individual wishes to possess the item, they may obtain permission after undergoing a verification process for disqualifications.

The method of surrender is for the individual or a representative to directly visit a nearby police station or a military unit operating a surrender office to submit the illegal weapons. If it is difficult to submit the illegal weapons within the surrender period due to unavoidable circumstances, prior notification can be made by phone or mail, followed by submission of the actual items later.

If caught manufacturing, selling, or possessing illegal weapons, one may face imprisonment from 3 to 15 years or a fine ranging from 30 million to 100 million KRW under the Firearms and Explosives Control Act. A National Police Agency official stated, "We will continue to make efforts to prevent accidents and ensure safety related to firearms and blades."