Police have seized hundreds of munitions from small hand guns to 300 kilo aerial bombs, arresting ten people allegedly engaged in buying and selling Spanish Civil War and World War Two artefacts.
Some of the pieces seized were in perfect condition and ready to explode.
The law prohibits the possession of such pieces if they are in full working order and collectors are obliged to submit such weaponry to the Directorate General of Armaments and Materials of the Ministry of Defence for certification, disabling and documenting.
Grenades, rifles, machine guns, aerial bombs and antique weapons were amongst the weapons seized in raids in Cataluña, País Vasco, Valencia and Castilla La Mancha. The arrests were made in Bilbao, Lleida, Ciudad Real, Valencia (5) and Castellón (2).
The investigation began as an operation against the looting and smuggling of archaeological artefacts and treasures but was expanded when police discovered a group engaged in the buying and selling of military equipment without authorisation.
There were 259 grenades seized, ten of which were ready to explode, 180 missiles and seven bombs, the largest being 300 kilos.