How to surrender a weapon? Answered by the district police officer

Answers from the district police inspector The district police inspector of the Braslaŭ District Executive Committee, Vladislav Dargel, explained that in his practical experience there was a case when a citizen approached him with a question about what to do with an unregistered hunting rifle that he inherited from relatives. "I do not need it. I would like to surrender it to the police, but I hesitate: I am afraid that I will be held liable for illegal possession. Is that true?" — asked the man. 

Understanding the importance of this issue, the district police inspector Vladislav Dargel clarified the procedure to follow in this situation. According to the law, citizens who voluntarily present unregistered firearms, ammunition, and explosives are exempt from liability. It is possible to surrender a prohibited arsenal to the police at any time. However, for those who wish to conceal it, liability is provided — for illegal actions regarding firearms, ammunition, as well as explosives, the maximum penalty under Article 295 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus provides for imprisonment for up to twelve years with or without a fine. For illegal actions regarding hunting smoothbore firearms, as well as ammunition for them, liability is provided under Article 24.46 of the Code of the Republic of Belarus on Administrative Offenses in the form of a fine of up to 30 basic units with confiscation of the object of the administrative offense.

The Braslaŭ District Executive Committee is actively working to prevent illegal actions regarding weapons. Thus, we strive to prevent serious consequences that may arise from their illegal use, — says the police officer. — I want to emphasize that every year there are individuals who wish to surrender unregistered weapons, which they have "inherited" from relatives, found in the forest, or during work on their household plots.

Last year, 2 units of unregistered smoothbore firearms and 71 ammunition for various types of weapons were removed from illegal circulation in the Braslaŭ District. Some hunters, having ceased engaging in this activity, surrender registered weapons and ammunition for disposal. In 2022, 6 units of registered weapons were voluntarily surrendered for destruction by citizens. Also, last year, 1 permit for the storage and carrying of weapons was revoked from an owner who had contraindications for further possession.

— I want to appeal to law-abiding citizens: please report any known facts of illegal storage of weapons, ammunition, and explosives to the Internal Affairs Department of the Braslaŭ District Executive Committee at phones 802153-62677 or 102. We guarantee anonymity! — clarifies Vladislav Dargel. Let us ensure the safety of our lives and the lives of our loved ones.

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