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 measure "Arsenal" is being conducted on the territory of the Republic of Belarus from 8:00 on April 3 to 20:00 on April 7, 2017.
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 measure "Arsenal" is being conducted on the territory of the Republic of Belarus from 8:00 on April 3 to 20:00 on April 7, 2017.
Currently, there are 406 registered owners of civilian weapons in Lepel district, possessing 503 units of weapons. Primarily, smoothbore hunting rifles, rifled hunting rifles, and gas weapons are held by private individuals. During 2016 and the first 2 months of 2017, employees of the Lepel District Department of Internal Affairs (ROVD) brought 14 weapon owners to administrative responsibility for violations of weapon storage and registration rules. Permits for the right to store and carry weapons were revoked from 7 weapon owners. 14 registered units of weapons and 3 unregistered units of weapons were confiscated from citizens for various reasons. During the specified period, no unregistered weapons were surrendered to the Lepel ROVD by citizens. Fifteen units of ammunition were voluntarily surrendered, and 181 illegally stored ammunition rounds were confiscated from one citizen. As a consequence, the confiscation of illegally stored weapons and ammunition led to the initiation of criminal cases under Article 295 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus against 3 citizens, and one citizen was brought to administrative responsibility under Article 23.71 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Belarus. Practice shows that unregistered weapons and ammunition are typically found by citizens in houses and outbuildings inherited from relatives. However, upon discovering weapons and ammunition not belonging to them, they are reluctant to surrender them to the internal affairs bodies, continuing to store them and thereby committing criminal offences and administrative violations.
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, provides 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 23.46 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Belarus. Illegal actions concerning gas, pneumatic, or projectile weapons entail a fine of **up to ten basic units** with or without confiscation of the item of the administrative offence.
Article 23.71 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Belarus Illegal actions concerning smooth-bore hunting firearms entail a fine of **up to thirty basic units** with or without confiscation of the item of the administrative offence, or deprivation of a special right with or without confiscation of the item of the administrative offence.
The Department of Internal Affairs of the Lepel District Executive Committee reminds that persons who apply for the voluntary surrender of weapons and ammunition are not subject to criminal or administrative liability.
Regarding individuals involved in the illegal possession, carrying, transportation, manufacturing, or sale of weapons, ammunition, or explosives, you can report this information by calling: 4-89-46, (8029) 763-77-59 - the licensing department of the Department of Internal Affairs of the Lepel District Executive Committee, or 4-70-83, 4-15-51, or 102 - the duty officer of the Department of Internal Affairs of the Lepel District Executive Committee.
For the attention of weapon owners: On January 20, 2017, Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus No. 21, "On Amendments to the Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus," was adopted, which amended Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus of April 26, 2010, No. 200 "On Administrative Procedures Carried Out by State Bodies and Other Organizations upon Applications of Citizens."
According to the amendments, for the extension of the validity period of the permit for storage and carrying of civilian weapons for citizens of the Republic of Belarus, foreign citizens and stateless persons permanently residing in the Republic of Belarus, it is necessary to provide a medical certificate of health status.
This norm comes into force on April 26, 2017, and is introduced with the aim of timely detection and taking measures to revoke permits and seize weapons from owners in case of the appearance of diseases and physical disabilities, the presence of which is a contraindication for their possession.
Senior Inspector for Permitting Work
Lepel District Department of Internal Affairs
Police Major O.V. Avtukh
