Armenia participated in INTERPOL’s “Trigger X – Eastern Europe and Central Asia” operation, coordinated by the organisation’s General Secretariat. It focused on tackling illicit firearms trafficking and improving efforts to combat crime.
In Armenia, the INTERPOL National Central Bureau coordinated the operation nationally in close cooperation with other law enforcement agencies. Operational, preventive and control measures were carried out across the country.
Authorities recorded 164 cases involving the illicit trafficking of firearms and ammunition. Arrests were made in connection with 11 cases.
A total of 248 firearms and firearm components were removed from illicit circulation, including assault rifles, hunting rifles, pistols and homemade firearms.
More than 11,000 rounds of ammunition, over 137 hand grenades, more than 120 grenade fuzes and detonators, and over 108 magazines were also found, seized or voluntarily surrendered. Mortar and grenade launcher rounds, explosives and other ammunition were also removed.
Armenia’s Interior Ministry said the operation highlighted the importance of cooperation between agencies, international information exchange and preventive measures in tackling illicit firearms trafficking and strengthening public safety.
