Individuals and organised crime gangs frequently use converted alarm and signal guns as the acquisition of illegal firearms has become increasingly difficult and expensive. Because certain models have shown to be easily adapted to discharge live ammunition, these blank-firing pistols have become a weapon of choice for criminals.
The majority of the seized alarm and signal weapons were models manufactured in Turkey prior to a change in national legislation related their production. These weapons had been legally brought into the EU and were being sold in Bulgaria and other EU member states. But, once sold, they were frequently smuggled across borders and turned into dangerous weapons in nations both within and outside the EU.
During the operation a total of 143 houses were searched and 22 arrests made. In total, 24 735 rounds of unconverted, converted, and live ammunition were seized. Additionally, 276 kilos of dynamite, 299 detonators, and over 21 kilos of gun powder were also seized.
