Italian Carabinieri detained a 22-year-old Cuban man on Thursday after discovering he had turned the basement of his home in Rome into a clandestine laboratory for manufacturing a cache of weapons and ammunition, authorities said in a statement.
The Cuban, identified as Edgar Molina, had numerous weapons in the basement of his residence. Among them were a dangerous fully homemade submachine gun, a repainted pistol with a partially obliterated serial number, another pistol designed to repel dogs, and a pen-shaped gun also constructed by him.
Molina additionally kept a loaded revolver under his pillow. During the search of his property, the Carabinieri (military police) found not only the weapons but also various materials and precision instruments like lathes, saws, and tools necessary for the production of these devices. They also discovered handwritten instructions in Spanish, detailing the blueprints for making the weapons.
With assistance from the Provincial Command of Rome's bomb squad, two large homemade tear gas canisters, gunpowder, and materials for crafting dangerous pyrotechnic devices were also seized. Furthermore, officers found 100 handmade cartridges and 20 grams of hashish.
Molina was arrested and taken to prison on suspicion of illegal possession of weapons and ammunition, and illegal manufacturing of weapons and ammunition. Italian police are investigating whether he was working for more structured criminal groups.
His arrest took place at his home in Villaggio Falcone, in the Ponte di Nona neighborhood, by Carabinieri from the Settecamini precinct in Rome and the operational unit of the Tivoli company, according to the Rome Prosecutor's Office.
The police had launched a raid in that area of the Italian capital after an 81-year-old woman, identified as Caterina Ciurleo, was killed by a stray bullet during a shootout between criminal gangs on May 23, according to Italian media reports.
Officers decided to search Molina's house because he had previously been arrested for drug trafficking, and at the location, they discovered "a young man ready for war," investigators said.
The Cuban is considered by the police to be "fully capable of constructing, modifying, and enhancing the power of various weapons."
The statement also noted that the case is currently in the preliminary investigation phase and "the suspect must be considered innocent until a possible final sentence."
Details on the Cuban Arrested for Weapons Manufacturing in Italy
Below are some frequently asked questions and answers related to the recent arrest of Edgar Molina, a Cuban national detained for manufacturing weapons in Italy.
What types of weapons were found in Edgar Molina's possession?
Authorities discovered a homemade submachine gun, a repainted pistol with an obscured serial number, a dog-repellent pistol, and a pen-shaped gun, among other weapons.
Why did the police decide to search his home?
Police decided to search Molina's home following his previous arrest for drug trafficking and after a fatal shooting incident involving criminal gangs in the area.
What additional materials were found during the search?
Officers found precision instruments, handwritten instructions in Spanish for making weapons, homemade tear gas canisters, gunpowder, and materials for dangerous pyrotechnic devices.
Is Edgar Molina considered guilty?
Currently, the case is in the preliminary investigation phase, and Molina must be considered innocent until proven guilty by a final sentence.