A set of preventive measures for the withdrawal of unregistered weapons, ammunition, explosives, and explosive devices from circulation
February 18, 2026
In order to counter the illegal trafficking of weapons, ammunition, explosive devices and explosive substances, as well as to improve the criminal situation associated with their use in the Vitebsk region, from February 16 to March 31, 2026, a set of preventive measures to withdraw unregistered weapons, ammunition, explosive substances and explosive devices from circulation has been initiated. Within its framework, citizens can apply to the internal affairs department of the Glubokoe District Executive Committee with a statement on the voluntary surrender of weapons and ammunition. It should be noted that citizens who voluntarily surrender weapons and ammunition are exempted from criminal and administrative liability.
Despite the measures taken, the problem of citizens storing unaccounted weapons remains relevant, which leads to the commission of crimes and suicides with their use.
Many dangerous items are inherited by owners from deceased relatives, including participants of the Great Patriotic War. Front-line soldiers kept the rarities for decades, but often did not show the hiding places even to their closest ones. Now, heirs often stumble upon weapons in houses or outbuildings, for example, during repairs.
Upon finding a weapon belonging to a deceased person, you must immediately notify law enforcement. It is not recommended to transport the found item yourself, and this applies to both registered and unregistered firearms. If the deceased legally owned the weapon, the police will take it into responsible storage. After inheriting the property, the new owner will be able to dispose of it as they see fit, including transferring it for disposal or sale.
The shadow market continues to be supplied by illegal excavators. They go to the sites of battles of the Great Patriotic War with metal detectors and sometimes unearth entire arsenals. Some collect rarities, while others sell them.
Yet, severe punishment awaits for such actions…
Illegal manufacturing, acquisition, sale, storage, transportation, or carrying of firearms (except for smoothbore hunting firearms), ammunition, explosives, and explosive devices are punishable by imprisonment for up to seven years. An individual who commits this offense repeatedly or as part of a group with prior conspiracy risks spending up to 12 years in a correctional facility. The court may also impose a fine on the guilty party.
Illegal possession of smoothbore firearms entails administrative liability: a monetary penalty ranging from 10 to 30 base units, with the possibility of revoking the right to engage in certain activities.
Law enforcement officers are grateful to everyone who reports illegally stored weapons or surrenders them, for their active civic stance. You will protect not only yourselves but also others, as such items can fall into the hands of criminals.
In order to prevent arms theft, the Internal Affairs Bodies recommend that owners equip their residential premises or storage locations with a security alarm system connected to the centralized monitoring console of the Department of Protection of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.
By calling 8-029-5972174, 30859, 58121 or 102. You can report information about illegally stored weapons, ammunition and explosives, as well as obtain information on the procedure for voluntary surrender of such items.
