Okaz/Saudi Gazette

DAMMAM — The Saudi courts reported there have been 225 weapon possession crimes over the past 11 months.

The courts reported Riyadh had 45 cases, Asir had 37 cases and Makkah had 26 cases. Possessing weapons is a crime under the Penal Court and the penalties issues vary depending on each case. The sentence can reach up to 15 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to SR150,000 if the weapon is an assault weapon.

Possessing, carrying, selling and buying weapons are considered a crime. Buying a gun without a license can lead to two years of imprisonment and a fine reaching up to SR7,000.

The culprit receives both the sentences or one of them. Possessing a weapon without a license can lead to 18 months of imprisonment and a fine reaching up to SR6,000. The culprit receives either both the sentences or one of them.

Manufacturing or repairing weapons without a license can lead to a year of imprisonment or a fine reaching up to SR5,000. The culprit may receive both the sentences or one of them. Smuggling weapons and grenades with the intention of threatening national security can lead to up to 30 years of imprisonment and a fine reaching up to SR300,000.

Smuggling weapons and grenades with the intention of trading them and gaining profit can lead to 20 years imprisonment and a fine reaching up to SR200,000.

Manufacturing weapons and grenade for personal use or for trade can lead up to 10 years imprisonment or a fine reaching up to SR100,000. Manufacturing or smuggling weapons for the purpose of hunting can lead to five years imprisonment and a fine of SR10,000.

Obstructing justice by failing to report an illegal weapons trade to the authority can lead to six months of imprisonment and a fine reaching up to SR3,000. Failure to report a stolen weapon and failure to renew the license after it expires can lead to a fine reaching up to SR2,000.