TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) - Law enforcement in Pima County is spotlighting the persistent issue of guns landing in the wrong hands, as part of News 4 Tucson's Searching 4 Solutions - Crime Crisis series. Authorities are concerned about the number of crimes involving individuals barred from owning firearms.

Across Tucson, deputies report seizing illegal guns weekly, many linked to prohibited possessors. In 2020, these individuals were tied to nearly one in five gun crimes.

"Everybody believes you shouldn't have it if you're under 18, mentally ill, or a criminal," an anonymous source said.

Recent federal rules now demand "private sellers" obtain licenses and conduct background checks to close the gun show loophole. However, enforcement remains a significant challenge, according to local offici

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