Thai arms smuggler sentenced to 6 years in NSCN-IM procurement case

A Special NIA Court in New Delhi has sentenced Willy Naruenartwanich, a Thai national and arms smuggler, to six years of imprisonment and a fine of ₹5 lakh. The sentencing follows his conviction in connection with an international arms procurement conspiracy involving the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah), also known as NSCN-IM.

According to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Naruenartwanich acted as a middleman and key conspirator in a network intended to procure a large consignment of lethal weapons and ammunition from foreign sources. The investigation revealed that he worked alongside Anthony Shimray, the NSCN-IM’s chief arms procurer, to facilitate negotiations with representatives of a Chinese arms and ammunition company. The proposed procurement and trans-shipment arrangement was valued at approximately $1.2 million.

The NIA stated that the weapons were intended to strengthen the outfit’s armed cadres and facilitate terrorist activities, which constituted preparatory acts for waging war against the Government of India. The case was originally registered on January 13, 2010, following an order from the Ministry of Home Affairs.