An official Facebook page connected to the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) has reported the alleged seizure of seven shotguns and various ammunition during a search of a home in the Juan Gualberto Gómez district, located in the Unión de Reyes municipality, Matanzas.
The information was shared by the page "Con Todos la Victoria," which described the discovery as a "massive arsenal."
According to the post, during the search, authorities confiscated seven shotguns, Makarov pistol cartridges, and shells described as .22 caliber, AKM, carbine, and 12 millimeters.
The report indicates that the detained individual claimed he was involved in firearm repair.
The same source mentions that investigations are underway to determine the origins of the weapons, their legal status, and the identities of their owners.
Additionally, it is reported that the man remains in custody on suspicion of illegal firearm possession.
Public Reactions and Defense of the Detainee
The Facebook post sparked numerous reactions, including comments from those who claim to know the detainee, asserting he has been repairing hunting firearms for years.
"He's a good man, very serious about his work. He's been a gunsmith for many years and is not a criminal, he's a hunter," wrote one commenter.
Others questioned the lack of state services for firearm maintenance and defended the activities of private gunsmiths.
"What's the crime in fixing guns if the state doesn't provide workshops for maintenance? There have always been these private gunsmiths," one user asked.
Another participant criticized portraying the detainee as a criminal before the investigation is concluded: "It's disrespectful to label someone a criminal without evidence."
Calls for Investigation into Weapon Ownership
Not all reactions were critical of the police action. Some users emphasized the need to verify if the shotguns were legally registered and if the detainee had permission to repair them.
"If he's someone who repairs them, he shouldn't worry as long as the weapons are legally registered. However, if he was fixing any gun without checking if it was legal, he must face the law," a commenter noted.
Another insisted that it's up to the authorities and courts to determine if a crime occurred: "The police will decide if the shotguns are illegal or not [...] Don't rush to label the man a criminal; that's for the courts to decide."
As of the time of reporting, it remains unclear whether the detainee had authorization to repair firearms or if the seized shotguns belonged to licensed owners.
Key Questions about the Matanzas Weapon Seizure
What was found during the search in Matanzas?
During the search, authorities found seven shotguns, Makarov pistol cartridges, and shells described as .22 caliber, AKM, carbine, and 12 millimeters.
What is the current status of the detainee?
The detained individual remains in custody under suspicion of illegal firearm possession.
What are the public reactions to the incident?
Reactions are mixed, with some defending the detainee as a reputable gunsmith and others emphasizing the need for legal clarity regarding the weapons.