Illegal weapons network dismantled in Bistrița-Năsăud: 18 firearms seized, 30 suspects
34 raids in Bistrița-Năsăud have resulted in the seizure of 18 lethal hunting weapons and the detention of 10 persons for questioning.
34 raids in Bistrița-Năsăud: smuggled weapons and prohibited devices seized by plainclothes officers
Jurnalul.ro reports that a large-scale operation carried out on Monday in Bistrița-Năsăud county resulted in the dismantling of an illegal weapons trafficking network. Police and prosecutors executed 34 home searches, targeting 30 persons investigated for several serious offences.
According to the General Inspectorate of the Romanian Police (IGPR), the suspects are being investigated for qualified smuggling, violation of the weapons and ammunition regime, violation of the explosive materials regime, unauthorised use of weapons, and poaching.
The investigation established that, beginning in 2024, members of the network allegedly illegally acquired — including from abroad — lethal and non-lethal weapons subject to authorisation, ammunition, silencers and other prohibited devices. The weapons and accessories were subsequently possessed and used without authorisation, particularly in poaching activities.
As a result of the raids, 18 lethal hunting weapons were seized. Six of these were said to be in illegal circulation, originating from trafficking or smuggling, whilst the other 12, although legally possessed, were allegedly used in illicit activities. A non-lethal weapon subject to authorisation, four silencers, ammunition for lethal weapons, pyrotechnic articles, as well as game meat and hunting trophies were also seized.
Ten of the 30 persons targeted are to be brought to the headquarters of the Bistrița-Năsăud County Police Inspectorate for questioning.
Source: Jurnalul.ro