Rayong: Cyber police have detained a 20-year-old man involved in illegal firearms trading through a Facebook group, expanding their investigation to arrest two more individuals. The trio was allegedly selling guns to fund personal expenditures, including car modifications and travel during the Songkran festival.

According to Thai News Agency, the investigation was initiated by the News Analysis and Special Equipment Division of the Technology Crime Suppression Division 1. Police officers discovered the illegal activity within a Facebook group boasting nearly 20,000 members. Undercover officers engaged with the group, successfully arranging a purchase with a user named ‘Ben Kanasanun’ for a modified Glock 19 firearm, agreeing to meet at the entrance of Wat Khao Phra Bat in Rayong Province.

At the meeting, Mr. Ben arrived in a vehicle, only to be intercepted by police officers led by Pol. Lt. Col. Noppadol Butrawong and Pol. Lt. Col. Santi Chuenchom. The officers found a blank gun modified to fire .380 caliber ammunition, a round of ammunition, and a cartridge bag in his possession.

Further investigation revealed that Mr. Ben had procured a break-action gun from a Facebook user known as ‘Jubjim Tee Rim Bueng Samrong Song.’ This account was traced to Sri Racha District, Chon Buri Province. Mr. Ben was used to lure the gun supplier to the same meeting point in Rayong Province.

At the appointed time, a white Nissan car without license plates was identified at the location. Inside were Mr. Phumi, 26, and Mr. Ji, 25. Upon searching the vehicle, officers discovered another modified blank gun, ammunition, a holster, and a homemade pistol, along with a significant quantity of ammunition concealed within the car.

The three men face charges of ‘jointly possessing firearms and ammunition without permission from the registrar’ and ‘jointly carrying firearms in a city, village, or public road without permission from the registrar.’ All evidence, including the vehicle, has been seized for legal proceedings.

Mr. Ben admitted to his fondness for firearms, which led him to engage in buying and selling guns for a profit to support his car modification hobby. Mr. Phum, who works in a factory with Mr. Ji, confessed to ordering and selling guns online to finance his Songkran festival travels. Mr. Ji, however, denied any knowledge of the firearms, claiming he was merely accompanying Mr. Phum.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into these illegal activities, aiming to identify and prosecute all parties involved in the firearms trade through social media platforms.