Thai authorities seize AK-47s and 24,000 rounds in arms smuggling bust

The Royal Thai Navy and Marine Police in Trat Province have intercepted a transnational arms smuggling operation. During a raid at Direk Pier in Laem Ngop District, authorities arrested one male suspect and seized a significant cache of weaponry.

The seized items include two AK-47 assault rifles and a total of 24,405 rounds of ammunition, consisting of 23,640 rounds of 7.62 mm and 765 rounds of 12.7 mm. Officials also confiscated one speedboat and three vehicles used in the crime.

Preliminary investigations indicate the smuggling ring used a speedboat to meet foreign nationals in open waters to collect the goods. The weapons were reportedly transported from Cambodia before being brought into the pier in Trat. While one suspect was detained, other members of the group managed to escape during the confrontation. Authorities are currently working to track down the remaining suspects and investigate the full extent of the network.