Cambodian man held over illegally modified guns

2026-03-20 - 06:50

SA KAEO — 20 March 2026, Police in Sa Kaeo province have arrested a Cambodian man after he collected a suspicious parcel containing modified blank-firing guns and a cache of ammunition, in a case believed to be linked to an illegal cross-border arms network. Pol. Col. Chuchat Khongmuang, superintendent of Khlong Luek Police Station, said officers acted on a tip-off and inspected the parcel, which was suspected of containing illicit items. The suspect, later identified as Sok Em, 23, was detained while arriving to receive the package. Inside, officers found two modified 9mm blank guns, three magazines, a suppressor, two gun cases and a mobile phone. Authorities said all items were illegal. The suspect was charged with illegal possession of firearms and unlawful entry into the kingdom. A subsequent search of the suspect’s residence uncovered additional items, including 310 rounds of 9mm blank ammunition, 20 rounds of 8mm ammunition, six gun boxes and two more parcels concealed inside the house. Police believe the case may be connected to a network smuggling and distributing illegal firearms along the border. Investigators are working to trace the origin of the parcels, identify transport routes and track down other suspects. The suspect and seized items have been handed over to investigators at Khlong Luek Police Station for legal proceedings. The investigation is ongoing.