Several tragedies that have befallen Montenegro in recent years warn of the need for stricter control of illegal weapons.
The police are aware of this, and for a decade they have been trying to encourage citizens to voluntarily return their weapons through the campaign "Respect Life, Return Weapons".
However, it is only in recent months that some tangible effects of this campaign have been noticeable, when over three and a half thousand weapons have been returned. Citizens agree that this problem must be put to an end as soon as possible, and some of them believe that more rigorous measures should be implemented.
In order to avoid guessing someone's subconscious, character, or bad timing, and thus avoid tragedies, it is the state that must prevent illegal possession of weapons, as well as generally impose stricter control.
After the Cetinje massacre, the Government announced that it would regulate this in a new weapons law.
Until then, they are relying on citizens' awareness to voluntarily return their weapons through the police campaign "Respect Life, Return Weapons".
"From the beginning of 2015 to the beginning of 2025, a total of 2.871 weapons were returned, while from the beginning of 2025 to date, a total of 3.572 weapons, around 120 thousand pieces of ammunition, around 400 hand grenades and several hundred parts of weapons and explosives have been returned," said Predrag Savović, head of the Group for Suppression of Smuggling of Weapons and Explosives.
Although the effects of this campaign have been more noticeable in recent months, there are still illegal weapons in Montenegrin homes, but it is not known exactly how many.
"Citizens can surrender their weapons at any time. In the coming period, the authorized commission will inspect the weapons and ammunition before making a decision on how to dispose of them, at which time the type, brand, serviceability and condition of the weapons will be determined and an appropriate report and minutes will be drawn up, and, in accordance with the authorization, the competent commission will decide on the further disposal and destruction of the weapons," said Savović.
The last time almost 800 weapons were destroyed was almost two years ago at the Institute of Ferrous Metallurgy, where, according to unofficial information from Television Vijesti, the next destruction should take place, but it is not yet known when exactly this will happen.
Meanwhile, citizens are calling for overcoming tradition and protecting themselves and others. There are also those who are in favor of more rigorous measures.
While this police operation is ongoing, you can return your weapons without fear of any liability. That is why the police are once again appealing to citizens.
"That they voluntarily return the weapons they have in illegal possession without legal consequences," said Savović.
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