Gun And 28 Bullets Found Hidden In BMW In Phuket
A 37-year-old driver was arrested in Phuket after police found a loaded CZ firearm with 28 bullets hidden under his car seat during a checkpoint operation. He had no authorization documents and faces charges for illegal weapons possession.
Permanent Secretary Arthit Samphanratana disclosed that Phuket's administrative forces conducted a checkpoint operation in central Phuket and discovered a CZ-brand firearm with a loaded magazine containing 28 rounds hidden beneath the driver's seat of a BMW. The driver, identified as 37-year-old Nat (surname withheld), could not produce authorization documents for possessing or carrying the weapon. Officers arrested him and filed charges for illegally transporting a firearm in a public place and possessing an unauthorized weapon. The suspect and evidence were transferred to Phuket City Police Station for prosecution under maximum legal penalties.
Samphanratana warned anyone carrying illegal firearms in vehicles or public spaces that the Prime Minister has temporarily suspended all new permits for carrying concealed weapons for one year effective February 20. All provincial administrative forces will continue checkpoint operations to intercept illegal, unregistered firearms. Those found in possession face maximum legal penalties, though individuals may voluntarily surrender unregistered weapons at any district office. The public is urged to report suspected illegal firearms by calling the Damrongdhamma Center at 1567 for authorities to take legal action.
