Three arrested in dramatic raid on suspected online firearm modification and sales operation

Three suspects were arrested in a dramatic raid on a suspected online firearm modification and sales operation in Thailand.

The Metropolitan Police Bureau raided a house allegedly by an illegal gun sales group in in Bangkok, Thailand, on June 23.

The gang allegedly scammed victims by advertising unauthorised guns on Facebook. They reportedly posted photographs of the weapons to lure buyers before blocking them after receiving payment for the weapons.

Dramatic footage shows armed cops in bulletproof vests storming the dimly lit home.

Upon seeing the officers, the three suspects tried to flee through a back door on the second floor. They were walking across the roof of a neighbouring house, but were caught when the corrugated iron sheets collapsed beneath them.

Police identified the youths as Burmese national, Thone Aung and two Thai men, Nattapong and Theerasak, all aged between 21 and 23.

Officers seized 20 items, including a pocket-sized Lifecard .22 WMR handgun, a homemade short-barrelled shotgun, and dozens of blank-firing and BB guns that were allegedly prepared for modification and sale.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Jakkree Nariphon, who led the raid, said the operation was launched following numerous complaints that emerged online from alleged scam victims.

Disgruntled customers exposed their Facebook pages and offered cash bounties to hunt them down.

He said: ‘We recorded video and audio footage in compliance with the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act.

‘We handed over the suspects, along with the seized evidence, to the inquiry officer at Rom Klao Police Station for further legal action.'

Thailand has one of the highest gun ownership and gun homicide rates among Southeast Asian nations.

Though Thai authorities have vowed to tighten gun control, there are around 4 million unregistered guns, often smuggled from war-torn countries, in circulation, the Ministry of Interior said in 2023.

In February, the Thai government said stricter background checks will be enforced for new firearm purchase applications, including examining their personal behaviour and potential ties to criminal activities.

While those who already own licenses will 'continuously monitored by local officials' to ensure they are still qualified.