Ministry of Internal Affairs seizes 27 weapons, 604 rounds and 10 explosives in Interpol operation TRIGGER X
Police executed 35 searches, arrested two people at border crossings and carried out inspections in shooting clubs and ranges.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs announced that, as part of Interpol’s international operation "TRIGGER X", authorities in North Macedonia seized 27 weapons, 604 rounds of ammunition and 10 explosive devices during actions carried out between 22 June and 5 July this year.
Police executed 35 search warrants across the country and arrested two people at border crossings. In addition to the seizures, officials reported the removal of three hunting rifles, one pneumatic rifle and 128 hunting cartridges among the recovered items.
“As part of the operational activities, checks and inspections were carried out on 548 selected persons and 382 vehicles, including passenger and cargo vehicles as well as trailers. Additionally, the Department for Criminal-Intelligence Analysis at the Bureau for Public Security and the Sector for International Police Cooperation ran checks in internal databases for more than 500 persons and 300 vehicles,” the Ministry said.
Pre-operational finds and local controls
During the pre-operational phase police discovered and confiscated three pistols, 115 bullets, a weapon frame, seven hunting cartridges, three hand grenades and a box of gunpowder. Officers also seized an additional pistol, a frame, an improvised pipe-like device for firing bullets and 77 more bullets.
Authorities carried out four extraordinary inspections in shooting clubs in Skopje and Bitola and two inspections at civilian shooting ranges. During a check at a shooting club in Prilep, officers seized a hunting rifle and a revolver.
“Participation in such international operational actions represents a significant contribution to strengthening international police cooperation, the exchange of information and coordinated responses in the fight against illicit arms trafficking and cross-border crime. Through joint and coordinated activities with international partners, the Ministry of Internal Affairs continues to actively contribute to improving security and preventing the illegal trade in weapons, ammunition and explosive devices,” the Ministry added.
Photo: press material from the event
