The number of illegal weapons circulating in the hands of Kosovo citizens continues to be high, which represents a serious social problem. Their presence is creating insecurity and permanent danger for citizens.
This is even confirmed by the Kosovo Police, which has undertaken increased operational actions throughout the country, with the aim of identifying and confiscating weapons that are held without a permit, as well as preventing criminal offenses that violate the lives and safety of citizens.
"Recent cases have proven that illegal weapons are often used in serious criminal incidents, including murders and attempted murders. In response, Kosovo Police have intensified checks, raids and field operations, confiscating various weapons and initiating legal proceedings against the persons involved," the Police confirmed.
Police data shows that the number of weapons confiscated in the first seven months of this year has increased. Based on police statistics, 924 weapons were confiscated during the period January-July 2024, a number that has increased this year, with 1,039 weapons confiscated during the same period.
Regarding ammunition, 18,307 of them were confiscated in the period January-July 2024, and this year the number has increased to 18,606, RTK writes.
This situation, for security experts, poses a great concern for the citizens of the country. According to them, the punishments in these cases should be harsher.
"Usually, illegal weapons are being used a lot by recidivists, because it is seen from the injuries, wounds or murders, most cases 90-95% are recidivists, so I think that criminal policy or punitive sanctions should change; punitive measures should be toughened," said Arben Dashevci, an expert on security issues.
Meanwhile, police statistics show that 12 murders were recorded during the first six months of the year. This situation challenges the competent institutions to find ways to force people to hand over weapons they are carrying without a permit.
"Ways and methods must be found to equip those weapons that are licensed, and those who are licensed must be trained on how to hold the weapon, because weapons kill, while those that are in the hands of citizens must find a way to surrender those weapons," said Avni Islami, an expert on security issues.
According to the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kosovo, the penalty for illegal possession of weapons is a fine of up to 7,500 euros or imprisonment of up to 5 years.
