The SSU has shut down another channel of illicit trade in weapons and ammunition in the frontline area of Donetsk region.

The two individuals wanted to illegally sell an arsenal of trophy weapons of the occupying forces, which Ukrainian defenders had obtained in fierce battles near Bakhmut.

Among the weapons seized from the suspects were over 60 assault rifles and machine guns, as well as russian-made anti-tank grenade launchers.

The dealers tried to sell this batch of munitions to criminals from Dnipro.

As a result of the operation, the SSU detained both perpetrators on their attempt to sell 7 Kalashnikov assault rifles, including a new AK-12.

The investigation revealed that the detainees are two contract soldiers from a military unit of Ukraine’s Defence Forces deployed to Donetsk oblast.

To illegally store the weapons and ammunition, they set up a cache in a private household.

The two apprehended individuals have been notified of suspicion under Articles 28.1, 263.1 of the CCU (illegal handling of weapons, ammunition or explosives).

The court is to decide on custody as a measure of restraint. The investigation is underway.

The operation was carried out under the procedural supervision of Donetsk Specialized Defence Prosecutor’s Office in the Eastern Region.