2023/03/22
The Ministry of National Defense issues a press release about reports that "The Ministry of National Defense has set up a task force following the seizing of a batch of weapons and ammunition by the police, and it will cooperate with prosecutors and the police in the investigation" (March 22, 2023)
Press Release of the Ministry of National Defense
Time: March 22, 2023 at 18:30
In response to the seizing of a batch of weapons and ammunition by the police, the
Ministry of National Defense (MND) stated today (22 nd ) that it has set up a task
force to carry out an investigation, and ordered all services to conduct a
comprehensive inventory check of the weapons and ammunition in their scope and
work with prosecutors and the police in the investigation.
The MND pointed out that it will conduct a detailed forensic investigation based on
the types of firearms and ammunition seized and the serial and batch numbers
provided by the police. If the weapons and ammunition were made in the country, it
will further check the production year, unit of surrender, and hand-over records, plus
storage mechanisms to establish how the weapons were removed in the first place.
The MND has emphasized that the Armed Forces has established a strict
management mechanism for weapons, ammunition, and explosive materials in
recent years, which includes meticulous measures such as regular and irregular
inventory checks. As for this case, it will fully cooperate in the investigation, and if
the weapons and ammunitions belong to the Armed Forces, it will pursue the case
until the culprit is found and use this as a case study as an example of the
consequences of breaking the law. The MND will also ensure its inventory checks,
requisition, and return control of weapons and ammunition are robust enough to
prevent military supplies and products from being taken.