Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|
05ZAGREB986 | 2005-06-10 14:17:00 | UNCLASSIFIED | Embassy Zagreb |
This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available. |
UNCLAS ZAGREB 000986 |
1. POL and FCS officers visited Lovac Trgovina on June 8, 2005. Post recommends the approval of the application for export of Smith and Wesson revolvers to the firm. 2. Lovac Trgovina D.O.O. is a bona fide retail distribution firm of handguns and rifles in Croatia. The firm was founded in 1952 and purchased by its current owner, Mario Plejic, in 1995. The primary focus of business is the sale of hunting weapons and related gear within the Croatian civilian market as well as sales to Croatian law enforcement agencies. According to its owner, Lovac Trgovina is the leading sporting arms distributor in Croatia with an estimated annual turnover of USD 2 million and an estimated market share of 75 percent. 3. Lovac Trgovina's order of 38 revolvers is consistent with their current sales focus. As stated on the application, the firm offices and store are located in Zagreb. Post officers inspected the firm office, store, weapons storage facilities, and record-keeping processes. The firm has secure storage facilities and detailed record keeping procedures as required by Croatian law. Lovac Trgovina maintains detailed permanent records of all purchasers. Under Croatian law, individuals must present a valid permit issued by the Ministry of Interior before purchasing a firearm and all individual weapons sales must be reported, complete with serial number, to police authorities. Lovac Trgovina's owner, Plejic, was well versed in USML restrictions regarding re-export and re-transfer of arms and is willing to comply accordingly. FRANK NNNN |