Algeria Now

Annaba police arrest 21-year-old woman for holding unauthorised alarm pistol

· Source: Algeria Now

Annaba police arrest 21-year-old woman for holding unauthorised alarm pistol

Police in Annaba have detained a 21-year-old woman for possessing an alarm pistol without the required legal authorisation. The arrest was carried out late on Tuesday afternoon by officers from the 13th Urban Security unit, acting in coordination with the Criminal Brigade.

During the operation, investigators seized the weapon from the suspect’s possession. The National Security service confirmed that the item is classified as a fourth-category weapon under Algerian law, which mandates official permission for its storage or carriage. The suspect has been referred to the prosecutor’s office at the Annaba court to determine the origin of the device and the intent behind its possession.

Although visually indistinguishable from a standard revolver in shape and weight, the alarm pistol features a blocked barrel that prevents the expulsion of any projectile. It operates using blank cartridges containing gunpowder but no bullet, producing a loud detonation that mimics a real firearm without firing a shot.

Authorities emphasise that the realistic sound and appearance of such devices pose a security risk, as they can be used to intimidate victims or facilitate robberies. Consequently, strict regulations apply to their ownership, and possession without a permit exposes individuals to immediate confiscation and criminal prosecution.

The legal requirement for authorisation applies regardless of the reason for acquisition. The security services clarify that purchasing the item abroad, receiving it as a gift, or acquiring it out of curiosity does not constitute a valid legal defence in court.

Alarm pistols are commonly associated with sporting events, where they serve as starter pistols to signal the beginning of running or swimming races. They are also utilised in the film industry for action scenes, though such use occurs within a regulated and supervised framework.

Beyond sports and cinema, some individuals view these devices as deterrents to repel attackers through the sheer noise of the discharge. However, this defensive use remains strictly conditional on holding a prior official authorisation in Algeria.

The judicial proceedings for the young woman are now underway. The Annaba prosecutor’s office is investigating how she obtained the pistol and the specific purpose for which she intended to use it.

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