(PHOTO) Pistols, automatic rifles, bombs, and explosives: The largest seizure of weapons in recent years
Police in Slovenia have executed the largest weapons seizure in recent years during a search at the home of a 67-year-old man in the Kranj area. Investigators confiscated 149 firearms, including automatic rifles and military-grade weapons, along with over 13,300 rounds of ammunition, hand grenades, TNT explosives, and approximately 42,360 euros in cash. The Police Directorate of Novo Mesto led the investigation, which focused on illegal arms trafficking in southeastern Slovenia after gathering intelligence on multiple incidents involving threats and displays of fire power. Authorities suspect the seized items were intended for sale on the black market, noting that some weapons had serial numbers removed to hinder traceability. The suspect has been criminally indicted for unauthorized production and trade of weapons or explosives, facing potential prison terms of up to ten years, and was placed in custody by a district court.
Slovenian police have seized 149 firearms, over 13,300 rounds of ammunition, three hand grenades, TNT explosive, and 42,360 euros in cash during a search at the home of a 67-year-old man in the Kranj district. Authorities described the haul as the largest weapons seizure in Slovenia in recent years. The suspect was arrested and placed in custody, facing charges for unauthorized production and trade of weapons or explosives, which carries a potential prison sentence of one to ten years. The investigation was led by criminal investigators from the Novo Mesto Police Directorate. They had been monitoring illegal arms trafficking in southeastern Slovenia, focusing on cases involving threats, display, and use of firearms. Through intelligence gathering and evidence collection, officers identified the 67-year-old Slovenian citizen as a key figure in the network. A court order authorized a house search, which was conducted last week in the area under the jurisdiction of the Kranj Police Administration. During the search, investigators confiscated 95 pistols and revolvers along with 54 pieces of long-barreled weaponry. The long guns included automatic rifles and other military-grade equipment. Among the short-barreled items were brands such as Beretta, Browning, Walther, Glock, and Crvena Zastava. Long guns included models from Remington and Steyr. Police also recovered numerous components, including barrels, locks, and parts specifically for Glock pistols. These findings suggest the location was used for modifying, assembling, or repairing firearms. In addition to the weapons, officers found more than 13,300 cartridges of various calibers. The cache also contained three hand grenades, TNT explosive, detonators, and primers. Investigators noted that some of the seized weapons had serial numbers removed or destroyed. This practice makes tracing the origin of the firearms difficult and complicates efforts to link them to specific crimes. According to senior criminal inspector specialist Matjaž Vrhovnik from the Criminal Police Department of the General Police Directorate, such unmarked weapons are particularly attractive to organized crime groups because they offer anonymity. On the black market, primarily in Northern Europe, these items can command prices up to ten times their standard market value due to the lack of traceability. Police discovered 42,360 euros in cash during the raid. Officials stated there are reasonable grounds to believe this money originated from criminal activities. After the search concluded, officers detained the 67-year-old man. He was subsequently charged with the criminal offense of unauthorized production and trade of weapons or explosives under Article 307 of the Penal Code. An investigating judge at the District Court in Kranj ordered his detention pending further proceedings. Matjaž Štern, head of the Criminal Police Sector at the Novo Mesto Police Directorate, emphasized that the operation prevented the weapons from entering illegal circulation. He stated that the seizure significantly contributed to public safety by removing dangerous materials from potential offenders. While the police did not disclose the exact source of the weapons, how the suspect acquired them, or who his intended buyers were, they indicated that the investigation continues. Officers are currently verifying the origin, destination, and possible sales routes of the seized arsenal. Vrhovnik noted that police have observed an increase in offenses related to illegal weapons in the recent period. He attributed this rise partly to more intensive and targeted operational work by law enforcement aimed at preventing illicit trade in arms and explosives. The authorities stressed that illegal weapons are often linked to the most severe forms of organized crime. By intercepting this stockpile, police aim to reduce the risk that these tools will be used in serious violent crimes. The suspect has no prior record for similar offenses according to police statements, though he was known for engaging in weapon resale activities. The case highlights the ongoing efforts by Slovenian law enforcement to combat the underground arms trade. The presence of military-style automatic rifles and explosive devices underscores the severity of the threat posed by such networks. Investigators continue to analyze the evidence to determine the full extent of the suspect’s involvement and whether others participated in the scheme. The recovery of both legal and modified firearms suggests a complex operation involving multiple stages of acquisition and preparation for sale. Public officials maintain that such seizures are critical not just for the volume of hardware recovered, but for disrupting supply chains that feed into broader criminal enterprises. The ability to remove high-value, untraceable weapons from the market reduces the capacity of criminal organizations to commit violent acts. As the judicial process moves forward, the focus remains on establishing all links within the network and ensuring accountability for the distribution of these dangerous goods. The detention of the primary suspect marks a significant step in dismantling this particular channel of illegal commerce.
3 reports
Žurnal24IndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8518 hr. ago
Police in Slovenia seized a record amount of weapons and ammunition during a search of a 67-year-old man’s home in the Kranj area. The operation resulted in the confiscation of 149 firearms, including pistols, revolvers, rifles, and military-grade weapons, many of which had serial numbers removed or altered. Investigators also recovered over 13,300 rounds of ammunition, three hand grenades, TNT explosives, and detonators. Additionally, police seized approximately 42,360 euros in cash suspected to be proceeds from criminal activity. The suspect has been placed in custody and faces up to ten years in prison for illegal possession and trafficking of weapons. Police stated that the seizure prevents these items from entering illicit channels and contributes to public safety.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a specific law enforcement action involving the seizure of illegal weapons. While it involves state actors (police and courts), the content focuses on factual details of the crime and the legal process rather than political ideology, partisan conflict, or policy debate. The ph
Why factuality (90): This article provides highly detailed and accurate figures, including the exact amount of cash (42,360 EUR) and the breakdown of weapon types. It aligns perfectly with the other sources on the core facts (suspect age, location, item counts). The inclusion of specific brand names and the mention of s
Why objectivity (85): The writing style is slightly more dramatic than Article 0, using phrases like 'incredible find' in the headline and quoting the police officer's statement about contributing to safety directly. However, it maintains a generally neutral stance by clearly attributing these statements to the police sp
Maribor24IndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8518 hr. ago
Slovenian police seized a large arsenal consisting of 149 firearms, over 13,300 rounds of ammunition, three hand grenades, TNT explosives, and detonators during a search at the home of a 67-year-old suspect in the Kranj region. Investigators also confiscated approximately 42,360 euros in cash, which they suspect was derived from criminal activities. The seized weapons included 95 pistols and revolvers, along with 54 long guns such as automatic rifles, many of which had serial numbers removed or destroyed to hinder traceability. Police stated that the arms were likely intended for sale on the black market, where modified weapons command significantly higher prices due to their lack of traceability. The suspect has been placed in custody and indicted for unauthorized production and trade of weapons or explosives, facing potential imprisonment of up to ten years.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a standard law enforcement operation involving the seizure of illegal weapons and cash. It relies entirely on official police statements and factual details regarding the items seized and legal proceedings. There is no political commentary, partisan framing, or ideological sl;
Why factuality (90): Factually robust, matching the consensus on all major data points (weapon count, ammo, cash, suspect demographics). It correctly cites both police officials involved in the press conference. The description of the items seized is precise and consistent with the other reports, providing a reliable ac
Why objectivity (85): The tone is professional and informative. Although the headline uses the word 'arsenal' which carries some weight, the body text sticks to the facts and quotes from official sources. There is minimal editorializing, making it a balanced report despite the inherently serious nature of the subject mat
VečerIndependent🔒CenterFactual 85Objective 9014 hr. ago
Police in Slovenia have executed the largest weapons seizure in recent years during a search at the home of a 67-year-old man in the Kranj area. Investigators confiscated 149 firearms, including automatic rifles and military-grade weapons, along with over 13,300 rounds of ammunition, hand grenades, TNT explosives, and approximately 42,360 euros in cash. The Police Directorate of Novo Mesto led the investigation, which focused on illegal arms trafficking in southeastern Slovenia after gathering intelligence on multiple incidents involving threats and displays of fire power. Authorities suspect the seized items were intended for sale on the black market, noting that some weapons had serial numbers removed to hinder traceability. The suspect has been criminally indicted for unauthorized production and trade of weapons or explosives, facing potential prison terms of up to ten years, and was placed in custody by a district court.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a criminal law enforcement action regarding illegal weapons possession and trafficking. While this involves state security functions, the content focuses strictly on factual police operations, specific quantities of contraband, and legal proceedings without engaging in broader
Why factuality (85): The article accurately reflects the cross-source consensus regarding the specific quantities of weapons (149 total, split into 95 handguns and 54 long guns), ammunition (over 13,300 rounds), explosives, and cash (approx. 42,000 EUR). It correctly identifies the suspect as a 67-year-old male and the
Why objectivity (90): The tone is standard journalistic reporting. While the headline uses sensationalist words like 'bombs' and 'explosives', this is justified by the actual items seized. The body text remains neutral, attributing claims to police officials and using objective language to describe the investigation.
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