Police seize 115 illegal firearms

KATHMANDU: The District Police Office in Myagdi has confiscated a record 115 illegal firearms in just one month as part of the ongoing “Operation Bravo Sera,” launched on Mangsir 15 to collect unauthorized firearms.

The campaign, initiated to ensure security ahead of the upcoming House of Representatives election on Falgun 21 and to curb poaching in forests and wildlife areas, has successfully seized the highest number of illegal firearms in the district to date, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police Surya Bahadur Thapa.

Raghuganga Rural Municipality accounted for the largest share, with 48 firearms recovered.

Other areas included Annapurna Rural Municipality (16), Malika Rural Municipality (20), Mangala Rural Municipality (14), Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality (6), and Beni Municipality (11).

Police highlighted that illegal firearms are increasingly being misused in household disputes, community conflicts, and poaching activities in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Annapurna Conservation Area, and various community forests.

The operation focused on collecting and seizing firearms hidden without proper permits.

Most of the firearms were discovered hidden in barns, forests, riversides, and uninhabited houses based on police patrols and tips from local residents, said Police Inspector Sagar Timilsina, Information Officer at the District Police Office.

Many of the seized firearms were locally made and found in operational condition.

Under Nepalese law, using firearms without a permit can result in imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to Rs 50,000.