SURIN, 26 June 2014, – Several locals in Surin surrendered their firearms to officials yesterday, the deadline set by authorities for people to turn in their weapons without being charged with possession of illegal firearms.
More than a hundred items were handed to officials at Weerawatyothin Military Camp yesterday, including handguns, grenades, rifles and shotguns. The handover was witnessed by Major General Nirut Ketsiri and Governor Nirun Kanlayanamit.
Meanwhile, officials raided a residence in Nakhonratchasima and found several M16 Automatic Rifles, HK33 handguns, AK47 Rifles, Carbine handguns, M79 Grenade launchers, and other handguns as well as rounds of ammunition. The owner of the weapons, Noppadon Petchmadan, a retired conscript was arrested at the scene.
The arrest was made after the officials had learned about Mr. Noppadon’s mini armory from inquiries of suspects of the ‘Khon Kean Model’ arms trafficking network, who claimed that Mr. Noppadon was linked to Lopburi arms dealers in the Northern Region.
The retired conscript initially denied his involvement with the ‘Khon Kean Model’ but admitted having bought the weapons from various sources including military and police officers.
In Nontaburi, residents reportedly found about 10 rifles, handguns and shotguns abandoned in Soi Bangplub 8 in Pakkred District.
