The Riksdag has decided to toughen the penalties for handling firearms and explosive goods. All parties supported the changes.
According to the justice committee, the purpose is to highlight the seriousness of the crimes, which are often committed by gang criminals.
The crimes covered are the more serious forms of weapons offences, breach of the permit obligation for explosive goods, arms smuggling and smuggling of explosive goods.
The scale of punishment is increased widely. For violations of the normal degree, the maximum penalty is increased from three to five years.
For serious crimes, the penalty is changed from imprisonment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of five years, to a minimum of four years and a maximum of seven years. The punishment for particularly serious crimes is also increased to a maximum of ten years in prison.
The changes to the law come into effect immediately after the New Year.