The Civil Police of Pernambuco arrested five people during an inspection operation and combating the illegal trade in gel weapons in the center of Recife. The action resulted in the seizure of 3,510 plastic pistols, which fire gel balls, all with illicit tax origins or irregular Inmetro stamps. The information was released last Tuesday (17).
The actions were carried out in the São José neighborhood, one of the city’s main commercial areas, where five stores were inspected. During the operation, the pistols were located and seized and those responsible for the establishments were arrested red-handed.
According to the police, after the Institute of Weights and Measures (Ipem) found that the goods were without invoices, those responsible were charged with crimes against the consumer, but were released after paying bail.
The sale of gel guns, which has become popular on the outskirts of Greater Recife, has generated concern among authorities due to the risks they pose in violent situations. In response to the increase in the use of these artifacts, the cities of Olinda and Paulista, in Pernambuco, have already banned the sale of the items.
Health risk
Games with gel guns have become popular in the Metropolitan Region of Recife, generating concerns regarding safety and public health. Between November 30 and December 17, 2024, the Altino Ventura Foundation, a reference in ophthalmology in Recife, recorded 83 visits to people with eye injuries caused by gunshots.
THE CNN the Altino Ventura Foundation reported that the injuries include scratches on the cornea, internal inflammation and bleeding, which can develop into more serious complications, such as secondary glaucoma. Most victims are between 12 and 18 years old.
In just 10 days, the Pernambuco Social Defense Secretariat recorded 110 calls about the use of these weapons, according to information from the Military Police.
In a note, the secretariat highlighted the lack of specific regulations on the topic, which makes more effective actions to prevent damage difficult. Although there are no laws prohibiting the purchase and use of gel guns, their use in public spaces has generated confusion and risks.
The ministry stated that, when the Military Police are contacted by calls to 190 about the use of gel weapons, they will carry out an investigation. If a crime is found, such as disturbing the peace, bodily harm, damage or vandalism, those involved will be taken to the police station.
“It is not a crime to use the object, but it can become a crime depending on how it is used. Each case will be analyzed individually and classified according to the corresponding criminal type”, explains delegate Mário Melo.
According to Inmetro ordinance 302, of 2021, weapons are not toys, which contradicts the popular idea that they are harmless items.
Delegate Mário Melo also emphasized that, according to the Disarmament Statute, gel weapons must be used with protective equipment and in controlled environments – which is not occurring in practice.
This content was originally published in Police seize more than 3,500 gel weapons in Recife; five people are arrested on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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