Authorities have arrested four individuals in connection with the unlawful shooting of a bear in Brestice, Nikšić municipality. Criminal charges have been filed against one person for illegal possession and use of firearms and explosives, according to the announcement from the Police Directorate.

Police from the Regional Border Police Center “Centar” conducted checks on three vehicles in Brestice, Nikšić.

During the inspection, officers checked the following individuals: MP (19), PB (34), ZP (41), MB (46), the minor son of MB, MM (32), MM (57), and RP (46), all residents of Nikšić. In the trunk of a VW Golf 2, police discovered a bear skin, while seven hunting rifles were found in the trunk of an Audi.

The Nikšić police were dispatched to the scene to take custody of the individuals and vehicles from the border police, bringing them to the Security Department’s official premises.

In a search conducted 700 meters from the macadam road, in a difficult-to-access area, police discovered the decapitated remains of a bear.

Investigation revealed that the suspects had allegedly coordinated to hunt the bear with dogs after a brief chase, during which ZP, RP, MP, and PB fired multiple rounds, ultimately killing it.

Seven hunting rifles were temporarily seized from RP, one of which was found to be in illegal possession. The state prosecutor from the Basic State Prosecutor’s Office in Nikšić was notified, leading to the detention of ZP, RP, MP, and PB for illegal hunting and unauthorized possession of firearms. A criminal complaint has been filed against MM for the same illegal possession offense.

The institution emphasized that at the time of these acts, a hunting ban was in effect, and the bear is a legally protected species. Its capture, disturbance, habitat destruction, and killing are strictly prohibited by law.

This case underscores the ongoing efforts of the Police Directorate to combat violent criminal activities and prevent illegal firearms possession. They also aim to strengthen the provisions of the Law on Weapons, particularly regarding the processes of purchasing, owning, and transferring firearms, as well as the criteria for their usage. Effective penalties are essential to curb the irresponsible behavior of individuals who blatantly violate the law.

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