KHUJAND, January 26, 2010, Asia-Plus  -- 256 illegally possessed firearms were confiscated from the population of northern Tajikistan last year, according to the Sughd police directorate.

A totaled included five assault rifles Kalashnikov, 12 pistols, 14 rifles, 225 hunting guns, three hand grenades and 500 bullets of different caliber.

Over the report period, seven local residents were convicted for illegal possession of weapons, the source added.