Attempts to import illegal weapons into Iceland are rising, with customs staff at Keflavik International Airport confiscating over 300 contraband items this summer alone.
Between June 1st and August 29th, officials seized 300 dangerous weapons from passengers entering the country, a phenomenon which the department director of Sudurnes customs, Kari Gunnlaugsson, insists is anything but harmless. Gunnlaugsson said the weapons were intended for malicious use.
“We have the feeling that attempts to import very dangerous and illegal weapons are constantly on the increase,” he said.
Last week, customs officers found illegal knives in the bags of a passenger on a flight from Denmark but data suggests the highest number of offenders come from Spain.
“Some of these weapons are guns which could cause severe injuries. In many cases the ammunition is iron bullets,” Gunnlaugsson said.
Weapons seized by customs, including throwing knives, knuckle irons and swords are destroyed. Those attempting to bring them into the country are subject to fines between ISK 10,000 to 20,000 (USD $157 to $315).
[…] Import of illegal weapons on the rise […]