According to the investigation, the suspects obtained guns, ammunition and explosives from others or dug them up in battlegrounds of the two world wars. Gun sales were reportedly their main source of income.
As part of the investigation, police carried out searches in Rīga, as well as the regions of Tukums, Kandava, Bauska, and Latgale.
The police confiscated what amounts to an impressive arsenal of 48 carbines, 23 pistols, eight smoothbore guns, 43 hand grenades, 62 pieces of explosive, ten automatic guns, an assault rifle, a machine gun, 8,845 pieces of ammunition as well as 38 gun parts and two kilos of explosives.
It was stored either at the suspects' homes or hidden away in caches.
The criminals are now facing up to three years in prison, community service or fines.
