Dutch quietly end illegal firearms fight: report

The National Platform Firearms (LPV), a collaboration to combat the illegal firearms trade, was quietly disbanded at the end of January. This is according to an investigation done by television program Brandpunt Reporter, which was broadcast last night. The LPV was a collaboration between the police, Public Prosecutor, General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD), Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD), customs, the tax service, the Economic Investigation Service and the Ministries of Internal Affairs and Justice. It was established in the year 2000 on the initiative of the Board of Police Commissioners. The decision to put the partnership to an end after 15 years was taken under the responsibility of (now former) Minister Ivo Opstelten of Security and Justice. The Tweede Kamer (lower house of parliament) was not informed of the decision, which came at a time when there is a growing political concern about the increasing use of heavy automatic weapons in terrorist activities, such as with the attack in Paris. Yesterday the Ministry of Security and Justice made an announcement that a new network to combat illicit trafficking of firearms will be established, Het Parool reports. "The new platform will be execute more and will include an international component." a spokesperson for the ministry said. "Illegal arms trade has an international character. The new network will therefore seek closer links with other European countries." The heavier network will soon be operational.