Illicit Trafficking and Unlawful Use of Firearms, Explosive Devices and Substances: Arising Threats

Abstract

The article reveals the current threats that are associated with the growth of illicit trafficking and the use of weapons in Ukraine. The beginning of hostilities in eastern Ukraine, inspired by the leadership of the Russian Federation, has become a certain trigger for the growth of leakage, illicit trafficking and the use of weapons in the country. As a result, there is an increase in the incidences of armed attacks and the lethal consequences of them, suicides among the former participants in the anti-terrorist operations and deaths of the members of their families from weapons brought from the ATO zone, increased cases of armed resistance to law enforcement agencies, the use of weapons at raider seizures of property, accidents due to the unconscious  handling of weapons and explosives by ordinary citizens, and especially children, acts of hooliganism with the use of firearms, explosive devices and means for the defeat of armored vehicles or fortifications. The society has lowered the critical barrier on weapons possession and use. Criminal groups, both local and international, are trying to get profit from the situation with the illegal market, take it under their control, involving ordinary citizens into the illicit trafficking of weapons. The growth of criminal tensions reduces investment attractiveness of the country and worsens the economic situation. The deterioration of the situation with regard to the increase of circulation and illegal use of weapons as a whole creates an additional burden on law enforcement authorities. This requires more rational use of the available forces, the acquisition of additional skills by law enforcement officers, which would help to make the correct assessment of the situation, correct balance of forces, interaction between the governmental bodies and involvement of the civil society potential. The proper information strategy must be realized among the population. Despite the rather high professionalism of law enforcement officers, they need to master modern methods of work, use special means in the sphere of countering the illegal arms trade. It requires additional training aimed at the correct response in emergencies, planning of special activities and operations. Establishment of working contacts with foreign colleagues and mutual exchange of information and planning special activities remain is an important element in counteraction to the international organized crime. Overall, the awareness of population about legislation on legal arms circulation, criminal liability for illicit weapons, rules for the safe handling of weapons and explosive devices and substances, or any unknown subjects that may be explosive devices remains very low. People have no skills and are not trained in behavior in the accidents of shooting in crowded places, or in the cases of the detection of armed persons, or information on such persons who intend to commit a terrorist attack in a crowded place. Insufficient knowledge of the actions in the case of using weapons or explosive devices in places of congestion of people lead to the health danger and unwanted casualties. All this requires additional measures by law enforcement agencies and society to stabilize the situation, to improve coordination, interaction and capacity building of Ukrainian law enforcement agencies involved in counteracting to the leakage and illicit arms trafficking.