Sweden has introduced tougher penalties for gang-related offences, allowing courts to impose prison sentences up to twice as long as before, as the country cracks down on organized crime.
Under the new law, which took effect on Saturday, gang members convicted of certain offences can face sentences up to double the previous maximum.
For example, a gang member caught carrying a firearm previously faced a maximum prison term of four years but can now receive up to eight years, according to Swedish news agency TT.
The tougher sentencing rules also apply to juvenile offenders, although the legislation retains provisions allowing reduced sentences for minors.
Sweden has struggled for years to contain gang violence, with criminal networks increasingly recruiting teenagers to carry out contract killings.
After years of rising violence, however, the number of fatal shootings and other gun crimes has fallen to comparatively low levels so far this year.
The legislation is modelled in part on neighbouring Denmark, where gang-related offences have long carried tougher penalties.
Under the new rules, the maximum doubled sentence is capped at 18 years in prison.
The measure forms part of a broader criminal justice reform package that increases penalties for around 50 offences.
The legislation was approved by Sweden's parliament in mid-June.
The law has proved controversial, with some legal experts arguing that longer prison sentences are unlikely to be an effective deterrent against gang crime.