Arts. 563 to 570 of the Penal Code regulate the crimes of possession, trafficking and storage of weapons, the purpose of which is to protect public safety and, indirectly, the life and integrity of persons.

Weapons possession

Arts. 563 and 364 of the Penal Code punish the possession of weapons as a crime of mere activity, which is consummated with the simple material possession of the weapon. Under what circumstances is the possession of weapons punishable?

1. First, when prohibited weapons are involved, in which case the penalty is imprisonment from 1 to 3 years.
2. Secondly, when the weapons are the result of a substantial modification of the characteristics of regulated weapons, which is punishable by the aforementioned penalty.
3. Finally, in the case of regulated weapons but the perpetrator lacks the necessary licenses or permits, in which case the penalty to be imposed varies depending on the type of weapon.

Trafficking, manufacture, commercialization or deposit of arms or ammunition.

Arts. 566 and 567 of the Penal Code punish with imprisonment the manufacture, commercialization or establishment of stockpiles of certain unauthorized weapons or ammunition, as well as trafficking in such weapons.

Possession, deposit, manufacture, trafficking, transport or supply of explosives.

On the other hand, Article 568 of the Penal Code punishes the possession or deposit of explosive, flammable, incendiary or asphyxiating substances or devices, or their components, as well as their manufacture, trafficking or transportation, or supply, outside the cases permitted by law.