Michael H. Picard

Dec 14, 2024 | asiatimes.com | Michael H. Picard

Police have seized several rare German assault rifles in the Philippines’ conflict-affected Bangsamoro in recent months. The weapons almost certainly came from government stocks, highlighting a persistent security challenge as the region tries to overcome decades of insurgency, corruption and violence. They also point to a commendable Philippine government practice.

Aug 9, 2024 | channelnewsasia.com | Michael H. Picard

WASHINGTON: On Jun 13, Indonesian police displayed weapons and ammunition seized from an alleged trafficking network in North Maluku. The suspects apparently sold over 100 endangered lories, cockatoos and parrots in the Philippines and used the profits to buy M16s and a shotgun. Police interdicted them as they returned to Indonesia and seized more weapons during follow-up investigations.

Jul 30, 2024 | eastasiaforum.org | Michael H. Picard |Alison McCook |Albert Jehoshua Rapha |Gaffar Muaqaffi

On 13 June 2024, Indonesian police displayed weapons and ammunition seized from an alleged trafficking network in North Maluku. The suspects apparently sold over 100 endangered lories, cockatoos and parrots in the Philippines and used the profits to buy M16s and a shotgun. Police interdicted them as they returned to Indonesia and seized more weapons during follow-up investigations.

Oct 7, 2023 | thediplomat.com | Michael H. Picard

All over the world, a range of new, evolving technologies are disrupting national arms control strategies. The Paragon mall shooting highlighted the deadly results. Thailand’s recent mall shooting is tied to a thriving online black market for guns. The shooter – a teenager from a privileged background apparently suffering from mental illness – used a blank-firing pistol converted to fire live ammunition to attack his victims in Bangkok’s iconic Siam Paragon mall.