Moldovan authorities have successfully destroyed 2,177 pieces of small arms and light weapons as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen public safety and security. The disposal event took place on 20 March 2025 in Anenii Noi district, Bulboaca village, with weapons collected through law enforcement activities and voluntarily surrendered by residents. This was possible thanks to the support of the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through the regional project SEESAC (South East and East Europe Small Arms and Light Weapons Control Centre).

"The Republic of Moldova is committed to ensuring the responsible management of small arms and light weapons, thus contributing to the security of citizens and the stability of the entire region. A safer society starts with concrete measures and today's exercise contributes directly to reducing cross-border threats and risks. Through such initiatives we strengthen national security and set an example of best practice in the fight against organized crime,” stated Alexandru Bejan, State Secretary, Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Since 2005, the Republic of Moldova, in partnership with EU and UNDP SEESAC, has successfully destroyed other over 13,000 small arms and light weapons. The destruction of these firearms is an important national strategic priority and contributes to broader regional stability.

“Illicit arm trafficking fuels conflict and crime around the world, and it undermines sustainable development. Each arms destroyed today represents a potential life saved, a community protected and a contribution to a more peaceful and prosperous future for our children.  The EU has been a long-standing supporter of the Republic of Moldova in these efforts. EU-Moldova relations are stronger than ever, and this is also true for our cooperation on tackling the misuse and trafficking of firearms," emphasized Máté Csicsai, Deputy Head of Mission, Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.

"This event is a major step forward in reducing the surplus firearms, preventing any possible proliferation of these stockpiles and directly contributing to national and regional security. Reducing the availability of firearms is also important for protecting women, who are disproportionately affected by armed violence, particularly in cases of domestic violence and gender-based violence,” said Seher Ariner, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative to the Republic of Moldova.

According to UNDP’s SEESAC Armed Violence Monitoring Platform, in 2024, 113 firearm incidents were reported in Moldova, a slight increase from 2023. More than half of these cases, 66 in total, were weapon seizures, indicating proactive law enforcement efforts to combat firearms trafficking and proliferation. However, because of firearm incidents, 6 people were killed, 8 were injured, while 8 people died by suicide using firearms.

To strengthen the capacities of Police to detect and investigate firearms-related crimes, UNDP SEESAC is donating essential equipment (video scopes, ground metal detector, ground-penetrating radar, long-sighted day/night binoculars, head-mounted night vision binoculars, thermal imaging binoculars and a GPS tracker with software), of approx. US$417,000. 

Support for enhancement of security of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) storage was provided through infrastructure upgrades at one General Police Inspectorate's SALW storage location in Bălți and two evidence rooms of Police Inspectorates of Buiucani in Chișinău and Edineț, completed by November 2024. The works at Bălți included a complete refurbishment and security upgrade of one storage building, along with the installation of a restricted perimeter fence with a gate. At Chișinău and Edineț, the evidence rooms were refurbished and fitted with a CCTV system, new security doors with access control, and weapons cabinets and racks. These works amounted to approximately $250,000. 

A public presentation of the works on the storage and evidence room and handover of equipment is planned in April 2025.

SEESAC has also supported the Moldovan Police to develop in 2023 the Standard Operating Procedures in countering illicit trafficking of firearms. 

In 2022, EU and UNDP SEESAC have supported the General Police Inspectorate with IT equipment for the operationalisation of the electronic weapons registry at the national level. At the same time, UNDP SEESAC delivered a laser marking machine, which is essential for successful tracing and preventing the diversion of firearms into illegal flaws.

SEESAC initiative is made possible through EU support under the EU Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/2321, which aims to strengthen arms control activities in Southeast and East Europe. This initiative underscores the dedication of Republic of Moldova to international security standards and efforts to counter illicit arms trafficking.