22-Year-Old Man Arrested in Chon Buri with M16 Assault Rifle and Multiple Firearms
In a significant operation, police apprehended a 22-year-old man at a condominium in Chon Buri, uncovering an M16 assault rifle along with several other firearms and over 100 rounds of ammunition. The suspect, identified as Phakawat, or Joe, a resident of Phuket, claimed to have purchased the weapons online.
On June 11, Na Jomtien Police Station received a tip-off from a concerned citizen regarding a suspicious individual parked near Jomtien Beach in the Na Jomtien subdistrict of Sattahip district, who was believed to be in possession of firearms. Acting swiftly, investigators checked the vehicle’s registration and reviewed CCTV footage, leading them to locate the suspect’s car parked in front of a condominium in the Thung Sukhla subdistrict of Si Racha district by 11 AM.
Discovery of Firearms
Upon locating the vehicle, police found Phakawat inside and conducted a search of both him and his condominium room for additional evidence. The search yielded a total of eight firearms and related equipment, including:
- One Colt AR-15 M16/M4 rifle equipped with a red dot sight and silencer
- Two 5.56mm magazines, each capable of holding 30 rounds
- One Derya MK-12 12-gauge shotgun, complete with its box
- One 12-gauge shotgun magazine holding five rounds and another holding ten rounds
- One unregistered Glock TARAN TACTICAL 9mm automatic pistol with a magazine
- 59 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition
- 24 rounds of 12-gauge shotgun shells
- 40 rounds of 9mm ammunition
All items were seized as evidence, and the suspect was detained for further investigation. Initially, Phakawat confessed to owning the firearms and ammunition, stating that they were acquired through online transactions.
Legal Proceedings
Na Jomtien Police Station has charged him with possession of firearms and ammunition without a registered license, as well as illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. The case has been transferred to Laem Chabang Police Station for further legal proceedings.
Police Colonel Phatthana Ropru, head of Na Jomtien Police Station, confirmed that the arrest was part of a broader initiative under the Region 2 Provincial Police’s policy, directed by Police Lieutenant General Yingyos Thepjumnong and Police Major General Thawatchakiet Jindakornsano, head of Chon Buri Provincial Police.
A spokesperson for the Jomtien police stated, “We will not allow anyone to carry weapons in public and compromise the city’s safety.” This incident highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address illegal arms possession and enhance public safety in the region.
Image Source: KhaoSod