The police in Taraclia seized seven weapons and 325 cartridges during searches carried out at the homes of ten people. The series of raids took place between July and November this year, IPN reports.

According to the police, 10 people aged between 20 and 50 from southern Moldova were suspected of illegally holding weapons and ammunition as well as other objects used in poaching activities.

Three 4.5 mm caliber pneumatic weapons, three pneumatic pistols, a smoothbore long gun, 324 rounds for "Kalashnikov" rifles and a 9 mm caliber cartridge were seized. The persons possessed no permissive documents for these weapons. Violations were also detected in the possession and storage of five legally owned hunting weapons. The objects will be subject to a ballistic examination in order to establish whether or not they were used in crimes.

The police continue the investigations so as to determine the circumstances in which the weapons were acquired and kept. The suspects face two to seven years in prison.