Police in Prague say they have seized 750 grams of Semtex plastic explosive, several firearms fitted with suppressors and other military-related equipment after arresting a 39-year-old man in the city’s Březiněves district. The man is under investigation on suspicion of illegal arms possession.
According to Prague police, detectives from the Extremism and Terrorism Department carried out the operation last week following a three-month investigation. Officers from the intervention unit and the rapid response unit also took part in the arrest.
Police said a search of the suspect’s home uncovered 750 grams of Semtex, two CZ 83 semi-automatic pistols with suppressors, a CZ 70 semi-automatic pistol with a suppressor, a DUO semi-automatic pistol, a .22-calibre bolt-action rifle and a large quantity of ammunition. Investigators also reported finding two military smoke grenades, several detonators, friction igniters and electronic firing devices.
A police explosives expert and a handler with specially trained explosives detection dogs were called to the scene because of the explosives. According to police, another explosives specialist from the forensic department took custody of the seized material for examination.
Police said the recovered firearms will undergo forensic testing to determine whether they were previously used in criminal offences. Investigators are also seeking to establish how the suspect obtained the weapons and explosives and what he intended to do with them.
The case is being investigated as suspected illegal armament, an offence that carries a maximum prison sentence of five years under Czech law, according to Prague police.
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