83 arrested in PSD crackdown on unlicensed firearms

AMMAN — As part of its nationwide campaign to combat festive firing and the possession of unlicensed firearms, the Public Security Department (PSD) announced on Wednesday the arrest of 83 suspects reportedly found in possession of 106 unlicensed firearms.

According to a PSD statement carried by the Jordan News Agency, Petra, the 83 suspects were arrested during the campaign's third week, and included two Arab nationals and four minors. In total, the campaign has resulted in the arrest of 213 people and the seizure of 247 unlicensed weapons.

The campaign is ongoing, the statement added, urging the public to report any incident by contacting 911 to report shootings anonymously. 

The PSD recently renewed its campaign targeting celebratory firing and the unlicensed carrying of firearms in an effort to curb the phenomenon. Authorities pledged to adopt the "most severe legal and administrative measures, possible", against perpetrators of festive firing.

The PSD also promised to conduct campaigns throughout the governorates and arrest any person in possession of a firearm without a licence, as well as those selling weapons and ammunition specifically for celebratory firing.