Sorrento: 76-year-old arrested with illegal hunting rifle: "I used it to shoot rats."

Carabinieri officers from the Sorrento station and the Mobile Radio Unit arrested a 76-year-old man after he was found in possession of an illegal hunting rifle and a large quantity of ammunition in his home.

The operation began yesterday morning, when passersby reported to 112 that they had heard three gunshots coming from a property on Via Malacoccola. It wasn't the first time gunfire had been heard in the area.

Upon arrival, the house was fenced and the gates locked. The officers rang the intercom without answering. Knowing the owner's background, who had previously had his gun license revoked and his weapons confiscated, they waited for reinforcements before proceeding to enter.

Once inside, the man came out claiming to have lit some Christmas firecrackers for fun. When asked to see the remains of the explosion, he produced a piece of red paper that had no smell of a recent explosion, a clue that convinced the police to proceed with the search.

Hidden in a plastic crate near the entrance, under bags of animal feed, a .24-gauge single-barreled hunting rifle with a punched serial number and a loaded round was found. The search also extended to the cellar and attic, from which 2.005 cartridges of various calibers, approximately 500 grams of gunpowder, 15 kilograms of lead shot, and ammunition reloading equipment were seized.

According to the Carabinieri, the weapon had been modified from a .24 caliber to a .32 caliber. The man was arrested and is now awaiting trial.

In addition to the rifle, the seized material includes 2.005 cartridges of various calibers, approximately 500 grams of gunpowder, 15 kilograms of lead shot, and ammunition reloading equipment. The 76-year-old's criminal record includes the revocation of his gun license and the confiscation of his weapons.