Large cache of weapons seized in Surin

[StrontiumDog]

Large cache of weapons seized in Surin | Bangkok Post: news

Large cache of weapons seized in Surin

• Published: 23/02/2012 at 11:43 AM
• Online news:

Authorities seized a large cache of firearms and ammunition in the northeastern border province of Surin, Department of Special Investigation director-general Tharit Pengdit said Thursday.

Mr Tharit said 36 rounds of rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), 64 rounds of 60mm mortar shells, 144 M79 and M203 grenades and 1,437 rounds of ammunition for SKS rifle were among those found during the raid.

The weapons belonged to an influential figure in the Northeast and some of them were expected to be used to create unrest in the country, he said.

However, he said, they were not connected with the three bomb explosions in central Bangkok on Feb 14, 2012.

The DSI chief said he could not discuss the details of the suspected arms dealer and other people involved as it would affect the investigation.

[StrontiumDog]

StrontiumDog
@StrontiumDog1
Better pic of the enormous arms cache seized today by the DSI bit.ly/zEs1RL RT @Reporter_Js5

[StrontiumDog]

More from MCOT.............

DSI seizes huge cache of smuggled arms in Surin

DSI seizes huge cache of smuggled arms in Surin

วันพฤหัสบดี ที่ 23 ก.พ. 2555



BANGKOK, Feb 23 -- The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and security agencies have seized a large number of smuggled arms hidden in the northeastern province of Surin but say the munitions were not related to the bomb incidents in Bangkok on February 14.

In a joint news conference of DSI, Royal Thai Army, and Border Patrol Police Bureau at DSI headquarters, along with a display of some of the seized heavy weapons, DSI director-general Tharit Pengdit told reporters that the munitions were found hidden in a bush near a commercial building in Prasat district of Surin.

According to intelligence reports, they belonged to two groups of influential Thai figures and could possibly be used to stage unrest or be smuggled out of the country.

Among the seized munitions were 36 grenades for rocket-propelled grenade (RPG-7); 64 grenades of 60mm mortar shells, 144 rounds of M79 and M203 grenades and 1,437 rounds of rifle ammunition.

Mr Tharit said that security officials found the ammunition as they were about to be delivered. The transfer was aborted due to pressure by the security agencies.

However, the director-general said that the route and origin of the ammunition could not be revealed as authorities were investigating for more information and seeking to arrest people involved in the ring. Names of the influential figures also could not be made public.

The ammunition seized was believed to be used to foment violent unrest or in preparation to smuggling out of the country, he said. The investigation would focus on wide range of issues including the possibility that the ammunition could be used by drug trafficking syndicates, terrorist groups or for southern unrest.

The DSI chief stressed that the ammunition was not related to the three bomb blasts in Sukhumvit 71 on February 14. (MCOT online news)

[StrontiumDog]

Huge weapons cache found lying in bushes | Bangkok Post: news

Huge weapons cache found lying in bushes

Authorities baffled about who owns arms

• Published: 24/02/2012 at 02:26 AM
• Newspaper section: News

Authorities have uncovered a big arms cache of grenades and other heavy artillery in Surin, but don't know how the weapons arrived there, or where they were headed.


Officers from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), the army and Border Patrol Police display war weapons seized in Surin’s Prasart district at the DSI headquarters yesterday. TAWATCHAI KEMGUMNERD

The seizure was made three months ago but was only revealed to the media yesterday, by DSI chief Tarit Pengdith.

The war weapons were seized in a joint operation involving the Department of Special Investigation, army rangers and the Border Patrol Police.

"We are trying to identify the people who hid the weapons there," Mr Tarit said. That's why we have only just told the media about it."

The investigators had hoped they would be able to arrest the gang and seize more weapons. Unfortunately, the traffickers appear to have halted their activities, he said.

Mr Tarit said the officers found a large cache of weapons hidden in bushes between shophouses in Prasart district, after learning about a recent arms delivery in the area.

They include 36 RPG-7 grenades, 36 RPG-7 launchers, 64 60mm rockets, 144 40mm rockets, and 1,437 rounds of .88 rifle ammunition. However, the team had not found any suspects.

Mr Tarit said he could not say how the weapons found their way there or where they were destined to be sent, but he is sure they had nothing to do with the street clashes in 2010.

"Nor are they connected to the explosions involving Middle East suspects in the Sukhumvit area on Feb 14," Mr Tarit said.

[Topper]

1,437 rounds of .88 rifle ammunition

Damn big gun....