Firearms from law enforcement agencies across West Virginia presently are up for sale in an online auction.

For the first time ever, the West Virginia Treasurer’s Office has opened up its annual auction of firearms through the internet, though it will still be restricted to federal firearms license (FFL) dealers.

There are currently 113 firearms and 400 pounds of ammunition for sale in the online auction, according to information provided by the State Treasurer’s Office. Items can be viewed at wvtreasury.gov/ffl-auction, and firearms dealers interested in bidding must first register through the site.

State Treasurer Larry Pack explained the office works with law enforcement agencies from across West Virginia to auction off the guns and ammo – which mostly they have acquired from those being arrested in drug busts or in other warranted situations.

“After those cases are closed, the law enforcement agencies have them in their inventory,” he said. “We work with them to identify what they no longer need, then determine what ones are working properly.”

Money gained through the auction is returned to the law enforcement agency.

“We have law enforcement officers who work with us to do all the work,” Pack continued. “We think if we sell online, there will be more dealers that will participate.

“That increases the market value and we will be able to return even more back to the law enforcement agencies to supplement their budgets. Everyone’s budgets are tight these days, so it is very helpful to the law enforcement agencies.”

Bids must be received by 9 a.m. on March 10, and firearms will not be shipped under any circumstance. The winning bidder will be required to set up an appointment with Assistant Treasurer of Records and Security Mike Comer by emailing mike.comer@wvsto.gov or calling 304-340-5021 to arrange for pick up and payment.

The next in-person auction of weapons is set for March 27, and will consist of 600 firearms.

Under West Virginia’s Unclaimed Property Code, state and local law enforcement agencies are mandated to report and turn over any unclaimed, seized or outdated firearms in their possession to the State Treasurer’s Office for auction.

The office, in turn, is required to hold an in-person auction every six months.

The State Treasurer’s Office hosts an in-person firearms auction every year at its secure warehouse in Kanawha City. In addition to the online auctions, the Treasurer’s Office will continue to host separate onsite auctions requiring FFL dealers to attend in-person.