Tanjug / AP

According to the Ministry of Interior, approximately 68,000 citizens in Montenegro are licensed firearm holders, representing over 100,000 weapons, as stated by Đorđija Vukićević, vice president of the Independent Police Union of Montenegro.

– Conversely, it is estimated that there are at least 40,000, and possibly more than 100,000 illegal weapons in civilian hands. This situation necessitates a thorough analysis and prompt action from the authorities – Vukićević remarked.

He pointed out that the weapons possessed legally by citizens do not pose a risk to anyone, whereas illegally held weapons do represent a threat.

Vukićević also highlighted that Montenegro ranks third for the number of weapons, which raises concerns for all citizens, particularly the relevant institutions, as issues surrounding illegal firearms continue to be reported in Montenegrin media.

He reminded that in 2015, Montenegro enacted the Law on Weapons, aligning with EU regulations, and the initiative called “Respect Life, Return Weapons” has been active since that year.

Despite ongoing seizures of illegal weapons in alarming numbers, individuals engaged in criminal activities continue to access firearms, indicating a need for stricter penalties.

– Current penalties are notably lenient, ranging from three months to eight years in prison, usually applied in extreme cases that are infrequent in Montenegro. Moreover, there have been instances where sentences fell below minimum thresholds, merely resulting in warnings, “he explained.

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić has announced intentions to enhance the criteria for weapon licensing as well as increase penalties for illegal possession and carrying of firearms.

– We will explore all options, including a potential complete ban on firearm usage. This tragic situation compels us to reconsider who should have access to weapons, including for sports and hunting purposes, but we must enforce stricter criteria – Spajić stated, as reported by Srna.