SCM "Arsenal"

In order to counteract the illegal trafficking of weapons, ammunition, explosive devices and explosives, and to improve the crime situation related to their use, the main stage of the operational-preventive special complex event "Arsenal" is being held throughout the Republic of Belarus from 4 to 8 October 2021.

Currently, there are 322 registered civilian firearm owners in Lepel District, possessing 423 firearms. These include smoothbore hunting rifles, rifled hunting rifles, and gas weapons. In 2021, employees of the Lepel District Department of Internal Affairs (ROVD) brought 5 citizens to administrative responsibility for violating the rules of firearm use, storage, and registration. Permits for the possession and carrying of firearms were revoked for 3 firearm owners. 7 registered firearms and 1 unregistered firearm were confiscated from citizens for various reasons. During the specified period, only 1 unit of unregistered firearm was voluntarily surrendered to the Lepel ROVD by citizens. 15 rounds of ammunition were voluntarily surrendered, and 67 rounds of ammunition were confiscated by police officers. As a consequence, the confiscation of illegally stored weapons and ammunition led to the initiation of two criminal cases under Article 295 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus against 2 citizens.

Practice shows that unregistered firearms and ammunition are typically found by citizens in houses and outbuildings inherited from relatives. However, upon discovering weapons and ammunition that do not belong to them, they are in no hurry to surrender them to the internal affairs bodies, but continue to store them, thereby committing criminal offences and administrative violations.

In most cases, when police officers confiscate unregistered firearms from citizens, it is revealed that the citizens have been storing the weapons and ammunition for a long time, knowing that possessing firearms without a permit is prohibited. When police officers become aware of illegal firearm possession, it is too late to surrender the weapons to avoid responsibility for their storage.

The Department of Internal Affairs of the Lepel District Executive Committee reminds that individuals who come forward regarding the voluntary surrender of weapons and ammunition are exempted from criminal and administrative liability.

In order to voluntarily surrender unregistered firearms and ammunition, it is not necessary to

to the Lepel District Department of Internal Affairs, you must report this to the Lepel District Department of Internal Affairs by telephone 3-48-96, licensing department of the Lepel District Department of Internal Affairs, or by telephone 102 (3-20-83). You can also use the above-mentioned telephone numbers to report information about persons engaged in the illegal storage, carrying, transportation, manufacturing, or sale of weapons, ammunition, explosive devices, and explosive substances.

The legislation of the Republic of Belarus establishes the following liability for illegal actions with weapons:

Article 295 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus. Illegal actions concerning firearms, ammunition, and explosives provide for punishment in the form of imprisonment for a term of up to twelve years with or without confiscation of property.

Article 295-1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus. Illegal actions concerning smooth-bore hunting firearms provide for punishment in the form of imprisonment for a term of up to five years.

Article 24.29 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Belarus. Illegal actions concerning cold, gas, pneumatic, or projectile weapons shall entail a fine of up to ten basic units with or without confiscation of the administrative offence item.

Article 24.46 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Belarus Illegal actions concerning smooth-bore hunting firearms shall entail a fine of up to thirty basic units with or without confiscation of the administrative offence item, or deprivation of a special right with or without confiscation of the administrative offence item.

Senior Inspector

for Licensing

Department of Public Order

Protection and Prevention

Lepel District Department of Internal Affairs