Russian Authorities Seize 360 Weapons, 323 kg of Explosives from Illegal Arms Traffickers in 53 Regions

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Russian security services have disrupted the activities of 126 individuals involved in illegal arms and ammunition trafficking, according to a statement from the Federal Security Service (FSB).

Joint operations carried out by the FSB, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD), and the National Guard (Rosgvardiya) took place in August and September 2026 across 53 regions of Russia.

The suspects were involved in the illegal storage and sale of firearms, as well as the restoration of combat capabilities of civilian weapons in underground workshops.

During the operation, law enforcement officials seized 363 firearms of Russian and foreign manufacture, 1,436 grenades, 323 kg of explosives including TNT and gunpowder, and 60,509 rounds of ammunition of various calibers.

Additionally, authorities shut down 48 illegal workshops where weapons were modified and ammunition was produced.

Among the confiscated weapons were 45 grenade launchers, nine machine guns, nine submachine guns, 98 assault rifles, 108 pistols and revolvers, as well as 94 rifles, carbines, and shotguns.

The FSB emphasized that efforts to identify and prevent illegal arms trafficking, manufacturing, and modification will continue.