Just in: A 24-year-old man has been arrested for illegally modifying blank guns into fully functional firearms in Phichit province. Thanks to the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau’s search warrant, the police found a stash of modified guns, gun parts, and ammunition. 🚓🔫 #CrimeCrackdown #GunControl #StaySafe #ThailandPolice #CyberCrimeInvestigationBureau #IllegalFirearmModification #PhichitProvince
A recent arrest in Phichit province has unearthed a clandestine business – modifying blank guns into fully operational firearms, and this illegal trade was transpiring online. The suspect was a 24-year-old man, known as Prinya Petchjinda.
Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) In Action
The CCIB police played a crucial role in this arrest. They successfully obtained a search warrant from the Phichit Provincial Court, which was actioned on Saturday morning. The targeted property was located in tambon Khao Sai in Thap Khlo district.
As the police encircled the house, they observed an individual, later identified as Prinya Petchjinda, attempting to flee. He was eventually nabbed, and the officers found four pen guns and six rounds of .38 ammunition on him. Reportedly, the suspect was trying to discard these items while fleeing from the police.
The Search and Findings
A thorough search of the house led to the discovery of a modified blank gun capable of operating as a firearm. Various other gun parts, 26 gun barrels, 20 firing pins, and 23 magazines were also found. The police discovered 43 pen guns as well.
Furthermore, inside a concealed zip bag located in the barrel of an airsoft rifle, the police found seven methamphetamine pills. This search operation was part of a broader crackdown on online firearm and modified weapon sales, ordered by the national police chief, Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol.
Infiltrating Illegal Online Groups
The CCIB police tracked down Mr. Prinya by infiltrating a secretive online group involved in the trading of modified weapons and other illicit firearms.
Upon arrest, the suspect admitted to producing and modifying guns for sale for the past two years. He disclosed that he was able to sell approximately four to five pieces each month, with prices ranging from 1,200 to 1,500 baht for pen guns. Blank guns modified to take real ammunition were sold for up to 15,000 baht.
Legal Procedure
Mr. Prinya confessed to conducting his business through online groups and social media. He also mentioned earning commissions from agents. Currently, he stands charged with violating firearms and ammunition laws, illegal possession of firearms, and narcotics. Legal procedures are being followed for his prosecution.
Recent Seizures and Efforts to Curb Gun-related Crimes
Last Thursday, a significant quantity of imitation guns was seized by Bangkok police during raids on two warehouses in the Rat Burana district. These efforts are part of a larger campaign to curb unauthorized weapons sales and close legal loopholes, particularly in the aftermath of the shootings at a Bangkok shopping mall on October 3, which claimed three lives.
The teenager held responsible for the Siam Paragon shootings had bought a gun designed to shoot blanks online, which was later modified to fire actual bullets. The authorities have pledged to enhance gun controls to reduce gun-related crimes.
Keywords
Phichit, firearms, gun violence, guns, CCIB
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What led to the arrest of Prinya Petchjinda in Phichit province?
A 24-year-old man named Prinya Petchjinda was arrested in Phichit province after the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) executed a search warrant. They found him attempting to flee from a house located in tambon Khao Sai in the Thap Khlo district. He was found carrying four pen guns and six rounds of .38 ammunition. Further search of the house revealed a modified blank gun into a fully operational firearm, numerous gun parts, and a concealed zip bag with seven methamphetamine pills.
2. How did the CCIB track down Prinya Petchjinda?
The CCIB police managed to track down Mr. Prinya by infiltrating a secretive online group involved in the trading of modified weapons and other illicit firearms. Upon arrest, Mr. Prinya admitted to producing and selling these modified firearms through these online groups and social media platforms for the past two years.
3. What are the charges against Prinya Petchjinda?
Mr. Prinya Petchjinda stands accused of violating firearms and ammunition laws, illegal possession of firearms, and narcotics. He confessed to operating his business of modifying and selling firearms through online groups and social media platforms. He had also been earning commissions from agents. Legal procedures are underway for his prosecution.
