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In a concerted effort to combat the illegal circulation of weapons and ammunition, various departments of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) police have conducted explanatory work that has led to the voluntary surrender of illicit firearms and ordnance by citizens in several Armenian cities.
Significant Hauls in Tavush, Shirak, and Kotayk Provinces
The latest successes were reported in Ijevan (Tavush Province), Gyumri (Shirak Province), and Hrazdan (Kotayk Province), where residents, after being informed about the legal implications and the benefits of voluntary surrender, handed over a substantial amount of weaponry.
Ijevan: A Hidden Cache Discovered
In Ijevan, a citizen contacted the MIA’s 112 operational management center, reporting that they had left weapons and ammunition under a tree in the ‘Aghsu’ area of Ijevan community. Criminal police officers dispatched to the scene discovered:
- An ‘AK-74’ type assault rifle
- A 16 mm caliber double-barreled hunting rifle
- A pistol
- 12 grenades of various types
- 3 grenade fuses
- 1100 bullets of various calibers
- A loaded bullet belt
This discovery highlights the effectiveness of community engagement and the trust being built between law enforcement and citizens.
Gyumri: Voluntary Surrender Near Old Cemetery
Similar efforts by community police officers in Gyumri led to another significant voluntary surrender. A citizen informed the police that they had left weapons and ammunition near a building on the road leading to the old cemetery in Gyumri. The community police found:
- An ‘AK-74’ type assault rifle
- A 16 mm caliber smooth-bore double-barreled hunting rifle
- 2 pistols
- 2 grenades with fuses
- 79 bullets of various calibers
- Other ammunition
This incident underscores the ongoing commitment of law enforcement to reduce the presence of illegal firearms in urban areas.
Hrazdan: Ammunition Found on Cemetery Road
In Hrazdan, the explanatory work of the community police department also yielded results. A citizen informed the police that they had left illegally held weapons and ammunition on the road leading to the Vanatur district cemetery in Hrazdan. The community police discovered:
- An ‘AK-74’ type assault rifle with a magazine
- A grenade
- A grenade fuse
- 80 bullets of various calibers
These voluntary surrenders contribute significantly to public safety and reduce the potential for violent crime.
Legal Framework for Voluntary Surrender
It is important to remind citizens that, according to Article 335, Part 4 of the Criminal Code, individuals who voluntarily surrender firearms, their main components, military ammunition, and other materials, devices, or objects are exempt from criminal liability. This provision encourages citizens to come forward without fear of prosecution, fostering a safer environment for all.
These recent events demonstrate the ongoing success of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in its campaign against illegal weapons, relying on both law enforcement operations and community cooperation to achieve its objectives.
Source: https://www.pastinfo.am/hy/news/2026/10/08/11415222/1983328
