From 22 June to 5 July 2026, the international operational action “TRIGGER X”, organised by INTERPOL, was conducted with the participation of North Macedonia. Within the Ministry of Interior, the activities were led by the Criminal Police Department, specifically the Unit for Illicit Trafficking in Weapons, Hazardous Substances and Radioactive Materials within the Sector for Illicit Drug, Weapons and Hazardous Substances Trafficking. Coordination and communication with participating countries were carried out through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau – Skopje, within the Sector for International Police Cooperation.

Several organisational units of the Public Security Bureau, as well as the Customs Administration, were involved in the operation, with the aim of combating cross-border crime, detecting and preventing illicit trafficking in firearms and ammunition, and conducting enhanced inspections of legal entities engaged in the trade of weapons, ammunition and pyrotechnic devices, shooting clubs, civilian shooting ranges and hunting associations.

As part of the operational activities, inspections and checks were carried out on 548 selected individuals and 382 vehicles, including passenger and freight vehicles, as well as trailers. In addition, the Criminal Intelligence Analysis Department within the Public Security Bureau and the Sector for International Police Cooperation conducted checks in internal databases concerning more than 500 individuals and 300 vehicles.

During the pre-operational phase, three pistols, 115 rounds of ammunition, a firearm frame, seven hunting cartridges, three hand grenades and a box of gunpowder were found and seized during two searches. During a subsequent on-site inspection following a report, an additional pistol, a firearm frame, an improvised tube-shaped device designed to fire bullets and 77 rounds of ammunition were found and seized.

During the operational phase, a total of 35 searches were conducted, resulting in the seizure of 27 firearms and 604 rounds of ammunition, for which measures are being taken to initiate criminal proceedings, as well as 10 explosive devices. In addition, three hunting rifles, one air rifle and 128 hunting cartridges were seized for the initiation of administrative proceedings.

During enhanced inspections at border crossing points, two individuals were detained. At the “Tabanovce” Border Crossing, an unknown substance was discovered during an inspection of a vehicle driven by an Austrian national. The individual was detained in connection with suspicion of a criminal offence under Article 215 of the Criminal Code. At the “Medžitlija” Border Crossing, a person listed on a stop list was located at the request of the Veles Sector for Internal Affairs. The individual was detained and handed over for further proceedings.

In the areas covered by the Skopje and Bitola Sectors for Internal Affairs, four extraordinary inspections were also conducted at shooting clubs and two at civilian shooting ranges. During an inspection of a shooting club in the area covered by the Prilep Internal Affairs Department, one hunting rifle and one revolver were seized.

Participation in international operational actions of this kind makes a significant contribution to strengthening international police cooperation, information exchange and coordinated action in the fight against illicit arms trafficking and cross-border crime. Through joint and coordinated activities with international partners, the Ministry of Interior continues to actively contribute to enhancing security and preventing the illegal trafficking of firearms, ammunition and explosive devices.