Armenia participated in INTERPOL’s international operation “Trigger X – Eastern Europe and Central Asia”, coordinated by the INTERPOL General Secretariat.

The operation focused on combating the illicit trafficking of firearms and enhancing the effectiveness of efforts to combat crime.

In Armenia, the operation was coordinated nationally by the INTERPOL National Central Bureau, in close cooperation with other law enforcement agencies.

During the operation, operational-investigative measures, as well as preventive and control measures, were carried out throughout Armenia.

A total of 164 cases involving the illicit trafficking of firearms and ammunition were recorded, with arrests made in connection with 11 of these cases.

A total of 248 firearms and firearm components were removed from illicit circulation, including assault rifles, hunting rifles, pistols, homemade firearms and other weapons.

More than 11,000 rounds of ammunition, over 137 hand grenades, more than 120 grenade fuzes and detonators, and over 108 magazines were also discovered, seized or voluntarily surrendered, along with mortar and grenade launcher rounds, explosives and other ammunition.

The results of the international operation “Trigger X” once again underscore the importance of inter-agency cooperation, international information exchange and preventive measures in combating illicit firearms trafficking and strengthening public safety.