Increased firepower and access to sophisticated weaponry has redefined engagement across the different phases of crime. Gun violence is a contemporary global human rights issue. Gun-related violence threatens our most fundamental human right, the right to life. The presence of illegal firearms can make people feel threatened with severe psychological effects on individuals. Every Government across the world has an obligation to maximize the protection of human rights, creating the safest possible environment for its law abiding citizens. Records show an estimated 2,000 people are injured by gunshots every day, across this violent world.
The combination of shifts in travel patterns, fraudulent travel documents, devastating attacks, communications and social media manipulation have led to a ‘decisive stage’ in the fight against terrorism and organised crime syndicates, which demands a comprehensive response. Well-coordinated terrorist cells and lone wolves are increasingly striking the societies in which they are embedded, in unpredictable ways with deadly swift. There are generally more opportunities for weapons to transit from legal to illegal, for instance by theft and ‘informal’ transfer, in liberal gun ownership regimes.
Illegal weapons trafficking is a source of income for the large number of Organised Criminal Gangs (OCG) involved. Most groups enter the weapons-trafficking business through other criminal activity, which offers contacts, knowledge of existing routes and infrastructure related to the smuggling of illicit weapons. There are 8 million new small arms and up to 15 billion rounds of ammunition produced each year. During 2022 so far there have been 600 incidents of mass shooting in the USA (source: Washington Post). A ‘mass shooting’ category incident is when four or more people are killed by gunfire. In 2020, the most recent year for which data is available 45,222 people died from gun-related injuries in the U.S.
INTERPOL has developed a five-year strategic plan to assist and create opportunities for law enforcement in its member countries to prevent and disrupt terrorist/ criminal activities through five action streams-
1.Increase the ability to detect and positively identify terrorists and their affiliates,
2. Reduce cross-border mobility of terrorists, and interdict their facilitating networks,
3. Increase the ability to exploit terrorists’ digital activity to facilitate tracking and identification of their affiliates,
4. Increase the identification, tracking and interception of the trafficking of weapons necessary for terrorist activities, 5. Increase the exchange of financial-related information, so as to trace and disrupt financial streams connected to terrorism funding.
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Gun violence is violence committed with the use of firearms- example pistols, shotguns, assault rifles or machine guns. Countries with very restrictive firearms legislation but a low level of enforcement in the field, or with very outdated legislation, may be more likely to become targets of illicit arms proliferation and trafficking. In some countries State officials’ low wages may also increase the likelihood of their facilitating theft or renting from stockpiles. Arms stolen from Government stockpiles by Government officials may be sold to Organised Crime Gangs (OCG).When the Gaddafi regime collapsed in Libya, the security situation in Mali deteriorated due to an increased cross-border influx of weapons.
During conflict, battlefield capture and raids on Government-held weapons allow OCGs to acquire military-grade weapons and increase their firepower. Illegal untraceable weapons can have an impact on crime dynamics far beyond the immediate crime. A sustained influx of illicit weapons may contribute to a situation of ‘criminalized peace’ in post-conflict environments. Illegal weapons are often used to protect other forms of illicit trafficking like kidnapping and extortion. In fractured conflict-torn areas, insurgencies, organised crime, drug cartels and gang cultures generate their own demands for illegal firearms.
During the 30 years of armed conflict in Sri Lanka there were thousands of weapons used by the LTTE. No one can give an authorized assurance that every weapon was found and accounted for. We are given to understand that the LTTE had buried weapons in fields and inside deep wells, realizing their imminent defeat. Occasionally it’s reported that when farmers engaged in cultivation they suddenly found weapons and unexploded ordinance (UXO). Similarly, when new houses are built, when the construction workers dug up the soil they came across concealed weapons. Most civilians informed the Police and Army of their discovery. It is speculated that some insidious civilians discreetly sold these guns to criminal groups. Even during and after the war weapons from the Northern and Eastern Provinces were smuggled to the South.
Another issue is the making and use of ‘homemade’ shot guns, used by farmers across Sri Lanka to ward off invading animals. These weapons are not registered or monitored. They have caused death and serious injury to villagers and killed endangered leopards. Some have been featured in incidents of domestic violence.
Firearm violence by private actors has a strong socio-economic dimension. It is typically concentrated in low income urban neighbourhoods with high levels of crime and narcotics trade. This often includes trafficking in illicit drugs, inefficient policing or policing which does not comply with international standards and human rights. Firearm violence and associated insecurity can have a particularly serious impact on children, including disrupting school attendance. This will in turn lead to poor life outcomes and once again perpetuate the cycle of deprivation, crime and violence. Firearms are instrumental to Organised Crime Gangs (OCG) as they convey the sense of power which allows the protection of the group and their territory.
Firearms and ammunition which represent an unacceptable level of risk to public safety, including those likely to cause excessive injury (fully automatic firearms, semi-automatic assault rifles, semi-automatic shotguns and submachine guns) must be prohibited for use by private individuals, globally. A firearms license should be subject to strict criteria being met. For example, the applicant should undergo a comprehensive background check to identify any risk factors (prior criminal record or mental issues) which heighten the risks of harm when using firearms. The police check must be done every year, without political influence. Any unlawful use must be a reason to terminate the gun license and the offender must be blacklisted.
Another dangerous element is that of ghost guns. These are guns that do not have a valid serial number. If used in a crime these guns are untraceable. New gun designs are also cause for alarm. Europe and America have seen a rising trend in customized designer guns, that don’t look dangerous but are lethal. Some of these guns are covered in semi-precious stones or painted in soft colours. The new trend used is ‘hydro dipping’ to colour guns. Some weapons have been modified. They are available for sale on the internet.
The threat posed by 3D printed weapons is very much on the radar of European police, amid the growing number of such firearms being seized in investigations across Europe recently. Amid this new wave of 3D printed creations, the first models for firearms and firearm components in polymers began, unnoticed. During 2013 law enforcement was surprised with the first discovery- a fully functioning 3D printed illegal gun, the notorious Liberator. A 3D printed gun is in part or entirely manufactured with a 3D printer. All 3D printed guns are untraceable ghost guns. Years ago a US based company manufactured a gun from a substance called Zamak (a zinc alloy) which has a low detection rate using a regular metal detector.
Weapons detection is an important aspect of public security. Modern 3D printed guns and small arms like the Glock-19 have few metal parts. The Glock- 19s frame, magazine body, and other components are made from a high-strength nylon-based polymer. Modern nations have already installed non-ferrous detectors at vital building to enhance safety.
The seizure of a firearm is the first step of a criminal justice process which later includes investigation, prosecution and conviction. The Police Special Task Force (STF) has been diligently engaged in countering organised crime, narcotics and illegal weapons in Sri Lanka. Under the directive of Commandant DIG Waruna Jayasundara the STF successfully seized 1,000 weapons in the past two years. The guns included 30 – T/56 weapons, 48 pistols and 24 revolvers.
The STF has also identified and confronted crime syndicate assassins, who were killed in shootouts. A new trend in Sri Lanka was for narcotic drug consignments to have illegal handguns. Such detections were made by the STF. It is speculated that these firearms are given as ‘bonuses to criminal dealers who buy 30-50 kilos of narcotics, as an incentive. The Sri Lanka Police strongly uphold the view of ‘no weapons-no crimes’ in their crime prevention initiatives.
It is proven globally that children’s exposure to violent video games increases dangerous behaviour and interest in firearms. Children exposed to gun violence in violent media would mimic that behaviour. Researchers endorse that students playing violent video games engaged in more aggressive behaviour. Illegal firearms are a menace to our peaceful society. As a nation with a rich Buddhist heritage we must never get trapped in the violent culture of guns.
(The writer is author of Target Secured- Police Special Task Force)
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