Poaching in Hrachovište: Police seize illegal weapons and 47,000 euros
During operation "Samota" in Nové Mesto nad Váhom district, two men were detained for unauthorised hunting of a deer. Seven long firearms, silencers and cash of 47,000 euros were seized.
Operation "Samota" in Hrachovište uncovers illegal weapons and poaching
Officers from the environmental crime unit of the National Centre for Specific Crime Types of the Police Force Presidency conducted a raid in the village of Hrachovište in Nové Mesto nad Váhom district. According to an SITA report, the operation codenamed "Samota" was aimed at detecting poaching and unlawful possession of weapons.
Two individuals were detained at the scene during the unauthorised hunting of a deer. Police subsequently conducted house searches, inspections of other premises and plots, and body searches, during which they secured an extensive set of evidence.
"Among the seized items were seven long firearms, of which at least two were held illegally, silencers for weapons, ammunition, a photo trap, mobile telephones, a tablet, USB drives, cash totalling 47,000 euros originating from activity that has not yet been established, frozen meat from wild game, a deer trophy, antlers and carcasses of a deer and a roe deer," the police stated. Additionally, plastic bags containing dried green plant material were found in one of the motor vehicles.
An investigator brought charges against a 25-year-old man for the crime of unlawful possession and dealing in weapons. Two other men, aged 25 and 49, were charged with the offence of poaching committed in the form of joint commission. Both men detained during the hunt were released on freedom after procedural actions were carried out, with the prosecutor's consent.
In the event of conviction, unlawful possession and dealing in weapons carries a sentence of up to eight years' imprisonment, and the offence of poaching up to three years.
On this occasion, the environmental police reminded that hunting game without a valid permit is a criminal offence regardless of the value of the game hunted. "Such criminal activity causes not only damage to hunting associations, but also significant ecological harm to the state," the police added.
Source: SITA