Police in Härnösand, Sweden, have uncovered a cache of illegal weapons and other items during a search of a property. The operation began last autumn with a report of unlawful threats and weapons offenses against a 55-year-old man from Härnösand. The man had a license for two firearms, but police found only one at his home.
It emerged that he had lent the rifle with a telescopic sight to a friend, a man about ten years younger. Police went to the indicated address, leading to a search and crime scene investigation with a dog that lasted all afternoon and had to be interrupted in the evening, resuming the next day. During the search, police found 12 illegal firearms hidden in various places on the property, along with ammunition, a quantity of amphetamine, a home distilling apparatus, spirits, and mash.
A 45-year-old man now faces trial in Ångermanland District Court, charged with serious weapons offenses, serious drug offenses, illegal handling of spirits, and attempted illegal handling of spirits. He denies the drug handling but admits to the other charges. His friend is also charged with serious weapons offenses because the person he lent the rifle to completely lacks a license for weapon possession.
The seized firearms include converted air guns and starting pistols, revolvers, and various rifles, some with suppressors and scopes, along with 57 cartridges and a large quantity of ammunition.