Gun Policy News
Small arms disposal to reduce firearm violence
Serbia,Australia,United States
Serbians Hand In Thousands of Guns After Two Mass Killings
12 May 2023
Washington Post
Serbians handed in thousands of guns in the first three days of an amnesty aimed at disarming the country following two mass killings last week, including one targeting schoolchildren.
Almost 6,000 unregistered weapons, 300,000 rounds of ammunition, and 470 pieces of mines and explosive devices have been voluntarily surrendered nationwide since Monday, the country's interior ministry said Thursday in an Instagram post promoting the measure.
President Aleksandar Vucic... (GunPolicy.org)
Mexico's Bold Move Against Gun Companies
1 September 2022
Arms Control Association
Of 193 member states of the United Nations, Mexico has the fifth-largest number of unregistered firearms in civilian hands, behind the United States, India, China, and Pakistan.(1) This availability of firearms and the violence it enables have major destructive consequences. In Mexico, guns are the weapon of choice in 70 percent of total homicides and 60 percent of homicides committed against women. Guns are also the main tool in homicides of young people.
Gun violence... (GunPolicy.org)
Panama Destroyed 23,426 Illegal Firearms over Four Years
29 July 2022
Estrella de Panama
Entre el 1 de julio de 2019 y el 29 de julio de 2022, la Policía Nacional (PN) ha destruido 23 mil 426 armas de fuego ilegales. Las armas de fuego fueron decomisadas y recuperadas, durante diversos operativos y acciones preventivas entre la PN y el Ministerio Público en todo el país."Esta destrucción de armas es el producto del compromiso y esfuerzo de los estamentos de seguridad del país, con el firme objetivo de garantizar la paz y la sana convivencia de los... (GunPolicy.org)
55% Of Firearms Entering Peru Come From The Illegal Market
12 July 2022
Peruano (Peru)
[Sucamec] plans to destroy more than 3,000 seized firearms.
In 55% of cases the firearms entering Peru come from the illegal market or are smuggled for use in criminal acts, warned Wilmer Delgado, a specialist from the Department of Arms, Ammunition and Related Articles of the National Superintendence for the Control of Security Services, Arms, Ammunition and Explosives for Civilian Use (Sucamec).
Speaking to Andina al Día, the specialist assured that Sucamec... (GunPolicy.org)
Voluntary Surrender of Firearms in Argentina
1 July 2022
Agencia Nacional de Materiales Controlados (ANMaC)
In the session of 30 June 2022, the Senate of the Nation granted the bill that provides for the extension of the deadline for the implementation of the National Programme for the Voluntary Surrender of Firearms (Voluntary Disarmament).
The Senate of the Nation unanimously approved the Bill presented by the National Executive, which provides for a new implementation period for the National Programme for the Voluntary Surrender of Firearms until 31 December 2023.
The... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Agencia Nacional de Materiales Controlados (ANMaC)
Record Number of Guns Registered in Uruguay
2 April 2022
El Observador (Uruguay)
In 2021 there was a record number of guns registered in Uruguay; three times as many were regularised as in 2019.
Across the country there are 606,704 registrations; 37% are revolvers; long guns are preferred in the coastal region.
In August 2014, a law of José Mujica's government sought to regulate the possession, carrying, commercialisation and trafficking of arms and ammunition. It was only implemented two years later, in December 2016, when the corresponding... (GunPolicy.org)
Panama to Exchange Illegal Weapons for Food Stamps
13 December 2021
Tiempo (Panama)
The plan, which is an initiative of the Panamanian government and the Ministry of Public Security, was launched on Monday.
The Panamanian government on Monday launched a programme for the voluntary exchange of illegal weapons for vouchers to buy in supermarkets and shops, at a time when the country is experiencing a rise in homicides, the vast majority of which are committed with firearms.
The "Pacificando Mi Barrio" programme, which involves the exchange of weapons,... (GunPolicy.org)
Chile Destroys More Than 13,000 Firearms
12 November 2021
Euronews
Pistolas, escopetas, revólveres y fusiles. Chile se deshace de más de 13.000 armas de fuego incautadas en operativos o entregadas voluntariamente por ciudadanos. Una iniciativa del Gobierno, que se realiza cada año y que forma parte de la campaña "Entrega tu arma". El objetivo: evitar que las armas personales caigan en manos de criminales y limitar los riesgos asociados a la posesión de armas en el hogar.
270.000 armas destruidas desde 1990
A través de un... (GunPolicy.org)
Buenos Aires Hands Over 11,400 Seized Guns for Destruction
11 November 2021
Government of Argentina
Con la presencia de Soria y Alak, la provincia de Buenos Aires comenzó la entrega a la ANMaC de 11.400 armas secuestradas en procesos penales para iniciar su destrucción
Los ministros de Justicia de la Nación y de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, participaron del acto institucional que dio inicio a la entrega de armas de fuego del Servicio Penitenciario Bonaerense a la Agencia Nacional de Materiales Controlados (ANMaC). Las armas fueron decomisadas de circuitos... (GunPolicy.org)
Argentina Destroys 1,484 Pistols, Thousands More Guns to Go
13 October 2021
Government of Argentina
En el marco del aniversario de la sanción de la ley 27.192 que creó la Agencia Nacional de Materiales Controlados (ANMaC), Martín Soria realizó una recorrida por el Banco Nacional de Materiales (BANMaC), en el que se destruyeron 1484 armas. Acompañado por la directora ejecutiva de la Agencia, Natasa Loizou, el Ministro subrayó la "decisión política de tener un Estado proactivo que trabaja para sacar las armas de las calles".
"Tenemos un Estado presente y... (GunPolicy.org)
Bosnia and Herzegovina Destroys 1,972 Pieces of Small Arms and Light Weapons
21 September 2021
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
A total of 1,972 pieces of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) were destroyed by the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina on Saturday, 18 September.
The event took place at the Jelšingrad smelter in Banja Luka and represents a continuation of efforts to increase public safety and security, and diminish the risk of SALW proliferation. It was conducted by the SALW Coordination Board of Bosnia and Herzegovina, police agencies, the United Nations Development Programme... (GunPolicy.org)
China's position on Gun Control
20 September 2021
CNN
Last week, a 47-year-old man stormed into a law firm in China's Wuhan city and shot dead a lawyer who he had 'some disputes with,' according to Chinese state media. He then stuffed his gun, just under 20 inches (50 centimeters) long, into a tennis racket bag and left.
The fatal shooting shocked many in China, which has some of the world's strictest gun control laws -- so much so, that some people thought initial reports were about yet another American shooting.
'When... (GunPolicy.org)
Argentina,Brazil,Chile,Colombia,Mexico
Gun Laws in Latin America's Largest Economies
26 August 2021
Council of the Americas (COA)
Countries may adopt stringent gun control laws, but their efforts are complicated by international arms smuggling. We explore policies in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico.
For government across Latin America, reducing violence and providing security are top agenda items. AS/COA Online looks at gun-related legislation in Latin America's largest economies, identifying regulations for arms licensing. In Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico, gun... (GunPolicy.org)
Tightening Gun Control In South Africa
19 August 2021
Conversation (South Africa)
Statistics produced by the police and mortuary surveillance systems in South Africa have consistently shown that firearms are the most commonly used weapons to commit murder and other violent crimes, such as carjacking and house robberies.
With this in mind, the Civilian Secretariat for Police Services which serves as the technical advisory agency to the Minister of Police, wants to have the Firearms Control Act amended to introduce more stringent firearm licensing... (GunPolicy.org)
South Africa Destroys Almost 25,000 Firearms During Amnesty Periods
8 July 2021
Times (South Africa)
The police have destroyed almost 25,000 firearms, including weapons voluntarily handed over during the two previous amnesty periods, and those that were either confiscated or surrendered to the state.
The firearms were destroyed at Cape Gate Steel in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, after a notice was published in the Government Gazette in June, with 24,910 firearms intended to be destroyed.
"About half of the firearms that have been destroyed were handed in during the... (GunPolicy.org)
Permanent Gun Amnesty Declared in Australia
1 July 2021
Sydney Morning Herald (Australia)
Australians will be able to surrender their illegal or unregistered firearms without fear of being fined or prosecuted under a new nationwide permanent amnesty that begins on Thursday.
The first rolling program of its type will allow anyone in possession of an illicit or unwanted firearm to hand it over to authorities in a renewed attempt by state and federal law enforcement agencies to reduce the tens of thousands of illicit weapons that fall into criminal hands.
The... (GunPolicy.org)
Nigeria Adopts Tougher Penalties for Illegal Firearms
1 July 2021
Daily Independent (Nigeria)
The Senate on Wednesday passed a bill which provides for three years jail term or N3 million fine or both, as penalties for anyone caught illegally possessing or dealing in firearms in Nigeria.
Titled 'Firearms Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021', the piece of legislation amends section 35 (2) of the Principal Act which previously provided a fine of just N1000 as penalty.
The amendment to section 35(2), which is captured in Clause 4 of the bill, provides for stiffer... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenyan President Sets Fire to More Than 5 000 Illegal Guns
10 June 2021
Independent Online (IOL)
Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday set alight more than 5 000 illegal firearms in a gesture to highlight the importance of peaceful resolutions to conflict.
Kenyatta set fire to 5144 illegal firearms, in addition to out-of-date state-owned guns, at the Regional Traffic Police Training Centre located in Ngong, west of the capital Nairobi, State House Kenya reported.
"A peaceful Kenya, a united Kenya is for the good of all of us. And that can only be achieved... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Burns Over 5,000 Illegal Firearms to Curb Crime
10 June 2021
AfricaNews
The Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday presided over the burning of 5,144 illegal firearms and obsolete state-owned small arms and light weapons at the Regional Traffic Police Training Centre in Ngong, Kajiado County.
He further called on those making homemade guns to join the newly built government facility that produces guns.
"This is to those making illegal guns, come we make legal money and jobs. Come forward and declare you can make a gun and you will... (GunPolicy.org)
Belgium Melts Down Over 22,000 Firearms Into Recycled Steel
30 April 2021
Reuters
BRUSSELS - Belgian authorities this week destroyed more than 22,000 guns collected by police, melting them down into some 60 tonnes of recycled steel.
About half of the firearms were collected from across the country, principally handed in by owners, some of whom had inherited but not wanted to keep them, Carina van Cauter, the governor of East Flanders province, said in a statement.
The other half were outdated police weapons.
"The result is impressive: 22,457... (GunPolicy.org)
72 Small Arms Destroyed by Rural Communities in Sierra Leone
1 November 2020
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
On the 28th October 2020, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with Sierra Leone National Commission on Small Arms (SLeNCSA) and communities in the border districts of Falaba and Kailahun destroyed 72 weapons collected from these communities under the Weapons for Development initiative of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)-European Union (EU) Organized Crime West African Response to Trafficking (OCWAR-T) project.
The... (GunPolicy.org)
Sudan Destroys 300,000 Illegal Firearms
30 September 2020
Daily Independent (Sudan)
The Sudanese government destroyed over 300,000 illegal weapons that were handed over voluntarily over three phases as part of the National Project for Collecting Firearms, announcing the launch of the fourth phase.
At a ceremony held in Hajar al-Asal area in northern Sudan, thousands of the firearms collected over the past three years were destroyed in a controlled explosion by the army.
The operation was carried out in the presence of defense and interior ministers,... (GunPolicy.org)
In 2020, more than 3,000 firearms were destroyed in Murcia, Spain
9 July 2020
Murcia Today (Spain)
9th July is International Gun Destruction Day
During the last year the Guardia Civíl destroyed a total of 86,566 weapons in Spain, 3,493 of which were confiscated in the Murcia region.
852 of the weapons from Murcia are small firearms and more than 2,000 long-barrel shotguns and rifles.
Some of the weapons are confiscated as their owners lack the necessary certification and others are seized by the Guardia during criminal investigations.
Public auctions are held to... (GunPolicy.org)
Illicit Arms Sales: Togo Receives Help From France to Combat Illicit Trafficking
7 January 2020
TogoWeb (Togo)
[Translated content]
Togo, through the National Commission for the Fight against the Proliferation, Circulation and Illicit Trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons, has been receiving technical support from France in the area of controlling the illicit arms trade since Monday 6 January 2020. At the end of the meeting, the participants will formulate recommendations to strengthen Togo's legal arsenal in terms of controlling the international arms trade.
"This... (GunPolicy.org)
South African Police Destroy 20,000 Collected Firearms
4 November 2019
The South African
The last national firearm destruction took place on the 17th of April 2019 wherein over 30 000 firearms were destroyed.
The South African Police Service plans to destroy 20 000 firearms on Tuesday morning by melting them, police spokesperson Colonel Brenda Muridili has announced. The destruction will take place in Vereeniging, Gauteng.
The firearms were seized by, surrendered to and forfeited to the state.
"To stamp the authority of the State the police have to... (GunPolicy.org)
South Africa Police Destroy Over 30,000 Collected Firearms
17 April 2019
Sunday Times (South Africa)
More than 30,000 firearms were destroyed by the police in Gauteng on Wednesday.
The firearms marked for destruction, at steel manufacturer ArcelorMittal in Vereeniging, had all been "seized, surrendered or forfeited" to the state, said police.
Police minister Bheki Cele was present and said: "Most of the firearms here today were surrendered. It is quite a period since we last destroyed firearms - it last happened late in 2016."
He said around two-thirds of the... (GunPolicy.org)
Destruction of Illicit Firearms in Costa Rica
18 July 2018
The Costa Rica Star
The General Directorate of Armaments in Costa Rica has destroyed 191 firearms this month, firearms which had been used in various crimes including homicide, robbery, drug trafficking, and illegal arms possession and sale. The Guns destroyed included 133 short weapons and 58 long weapons which have been in custody since 2012 and were previously used as evidence in criminal proceedings. They had been confiscated by the OIJ during raids throughout Costa Rica.
How many... (GunPolicy.org)
Samoan Police to Destroy 300 Guns
5 July 2018
Samoa Observer
The police will destroy close to 300 illegal firearms that they recovered during their operations.
Commissioner Fuiavailiili Egon Keil said questions remain on how the firearms were brought into the country as Samoa does not manufacture weapons or ammunition.
"This coming Thursday (today) at the police headquarter at 10 o'clock we have little less than 300 firearms that we will be destroying, just like what we did back in 2015. So these weapons will be destroyed... (GunPolicy.org)
Thousands of Homemade Guns Collected by Vietnamese Authorities
5 July 2018
Thanh Nien
In recent years, Quang Nam has had many traumatic accidents, affecting the lives and health of its citizens due to homemade guns.
4 July 2018 - the Police Department of Public Administration (PC64) in Quang Nam province handed over a large amount of weapons and dangerous objects to the Department of Police - Technical Security of the province for destruction.
Included are: 1,139 alcohol/air guns, 272 homemade guns, 54 military guns, 63 knives, 289 parts and... (GunPolicy.org)
Firearm Disposal Issues in Bougainville
6 June 2018
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
The non-disposal of all weapons on Bougainville may be the only major obstacle in the 2019 Bougainville referendum.
This means if all weapons are not completely destroyed or accounted for, which allegedly poses a threat, the referendum will not go ahead.
This was highlighted during the Bougainville referendum three-day conference in Port Moresby yesterday.
Serious issues confronting Bougainville's journey to referendum on independence also took precedence at the... (GunPolicy.org)
Australia's Gun Laws Can't Work in America – For Now
30 March 2018
Georgetown Journal of International Affairs
Thirteen mass shootings in 18 years, 112 victims shot dead. While this may seem to describe contemporary America, it actually describes a late 20th-century period in Australia. The country's final slaughter occurred in Tasmania in 1996 – the Port Arthur massacre. A lone, "pathetic social misfit" – as described by the judge – killed 35 people. The first 29 bullets from this young man's AR-15 rifle ended the lives of 20 innocents in just 90 seconds.
For... (GunPolicy.org)
Australia's Firearms Amnesty Collects More Than 50,000 Guns
5 October 2017
Guardian
More than 50,000 firearms will be destroyed after being handed in during the three-month national firearms amnesty.
The final figures, released on Friday, showed that the number of surrendered firearms doubled in the final month of the amnesty from 25,999 to 51,461 by 30 September.
Almost half were surrendered in New South Wales, which received 24,965 firearms despite collecting a further 67,323 in three other gun amnesties since the first national one in... (GunPolicy.org)
More firearms destroyed in Malanje, Angola
3 October 2017
Voa Portugues
Since 2014 more than 7,000 firearms have been removed from circulation in the 14 municipalities
In the Angolan province of Malanje, 2,612 firearms were destroyed in recent days, in a ceremony headed by the outgoing deputy governor for the political and social sector, Manuel campo.
Dozens of crimes committed every month in Malanje are committed with illegal firearms.
The coordinator of the Provincial Technical Sub-Commission for Disarming the Civilian Population,... (GunPolicy.org)
Australians Turn In 12,500 Guns as National Amnesty Opens
11 August 2017
New York Times
SYDNEY, Australia — The first numbers for the National Gun Amnesty are in, and more than 12,500 unregistered firearms have been surrendered since it started last month, Michael Keenan, the minister for justice, announced on Thursday.
The amnesty, which is running from July 1 to Sept. 30, allows people to hand unwanted or unregistered firearms over to the police and to licensed firearm dealers without fear of prosecution. Ordinarily, the possession of an unregistered... (GunPolicy.org)
Cambodian Authorities Destroy Homemade Guns from Amnesty
14 June 2017
Khmer Times
Police in Preah Vihear province have collected 378 homemade rifles since launching a gun amnesty at the start of the year.
Deputy provincial police chief Colonel Sam Sameoun said officers had spoken to people in the area to educate them about illegal weapon possession, warning that homemade guns often malfunction, injuring or killing their owners.
Following the outreach work, he said officers managed to convince many residents to hand in their homemade rifles,... (GunPolicy.org)
BiH Destroys 2,315 pieces of SALW
3 May 2017
SEESAC Newsletter May 2017, Newsletter
The authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina destroyed 2,315 pieces of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and 3,344 of their parts and components on Saturday 29 April 2017, at Jelisingrad smelter in Banja Luka. More precisely, this activity funded by the European Union and supported by UNDP SEESAC and UNDP BiH, enabled the destruction of 996 long and 1319 short barrels.
The destroyed firearms and their components have been confiscated by police agencies of Bosnia and... (GunPolicy.org)
Fight Against Arms Proliferation in Mauritania
12 April 2017
Authentique (Mauriania)
[Translated content]
The Public Authority has finally decided to act to curb the circulation and trade of arms in the country and particularly in Nouakchott! This is at least what we have learned from reliable sources. This was prompted by the death last week of a young resident of the Moughataa of Ryadh as a result of the explosion of a grenade he was handling, but also by the arrest last week of an officer of the National Guard, accused of having supplemented a... (GunPolicy.org)
29 December 2016
Deutsche Welle
"What do you mean, 'Where did I get the gun?'" Mladen can't really understand why I would ask that question. He is almost 30 and the pistol has been among the household effects of his Belgrade apartment since he can remember. It is an old Yugoslavian version of the famous Soviet Tokarev TT- 33, with a communist star engraved in the grip. "The pistol is from the front. My old man was in the army and got it as a present. He didn't have a gun permit, but who had something... (GunPolicy.org)
Spain Plans More Control Over Disabled Firearms [ES]
24 November 2016
Vanguardia (Colombia), EFE News Agency
[Translated Summary: After establishing that firearms used in terrorist attacks came from the black market, Spain's Congressional Defence Commission will enforce tighter controls so firearms cannot be modified for use in terrorist attacks. In collaboration with EU states, Spain will standardise techniques to permanently disable guns.]
La Comisión de Defensa del Congreso ha aprobado una iniciativa del grupo popular por la que, previa trasposición de una directiva... (GunPolicy.org)
24,000 Guns Seized in Tamaulipas, Mexico Since 2011 [ES]
23 November 2016
Expreso (Mexico)
[Translated summary: The Mexican Army has seized 24,000 firearms in the state of Tamaulipas since January 2011, most of them in an operation that involved civilians with pistols, semi-automatic guns and assault weapons. In the same period, 2,871 guns were destroyed and 10,611 new firearms were registered.]
CIUDAD VICTORIA -- El Ejército ha asegurado 24 mil armas de fuego en Tamaulipas de enero de 2011 a octubre de este año, la mayoría en operativos que involucraban... (GunPolicy.org)
Uganda Destroys 6,000 Illegal Guns
21 November 2016
K FM (Uganda)
In an effort to reduce the amount of illicit arms, the government has today destroyed 6000 small arms and weapons collected by police in a nationwide exercise.
In his speech during the exercise in Bukasa, Wakiso District, the state minister for internal affairs Mario Obigo Kania said such arms pose a major security threat if poorly managed and stored.
He also added that improving human security shouldn't be a responsibility of only the security agencies but also... (GunPolicy.org)
Over Two Thousand Firearms Destroyed in El Salvador [ES]
18 November 2016
El Mundo (El Salvador), EFE News Agency
[Translated Summary: El Salvador's Ministry of Defence destroyed 2,864 seized firearms. They also destroyed another cache of firearms that were not claimed by their owners after seizure, and others used in crimes. Among the destroyed firearms were 1,386 handguns, 333 long guns and 156 home-made firearms. Between January and September, 2016, 80% of homicides were committed using a firearm and 1,987 guns were seized.]
El Ministerio de la Defensa destruyó 2,864 armas de... (GunPolicy.org)
Social Media Used for Gun Sales, Trafficking in Venezuela [ES]
18 November 2016
Entorno Inteligente
[Translated summary: Venezuelans now use social media like Whatsapp, BBM, Snapchat and Instagram to illegally buy and sell guns. A Beretta 92FS pistol can be purchased for 2.7 million Venezuelan bolivars (270,000 USD). Official data from 2012 calculates that the country has between 1.2 and 1.5 million unregistered guns. Until March, 2016, only 48,000 firearms had been destroyed.]
Los índices de violencia y criminalidad siguen en un preocupante ascenso. Para completar... (GunPolicy.org)
5,250 Illegal Firearms Destroyed in Kenya [FR]
15 November 2016
Africa News
[Translated summary: Kenya has burned 5,250 firearms as part of a campaign to fight poaching and robberies and to eliminate terrorism. The destroyed firearms were seized in police operations or recovered in disarmament exercises. Citizens have also been urged to register their firearms.]
Le vice-président kenyan, William Ruto, a incité ce mardi les autorités à brûler 5.250 armes légères.
Ceci s'inscrit dans le cadre des efforts déployés pour lutter contre... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Destroys 5,250 Seized Guns to Slow Armed Violence
15 November 2016
Washington Post, Associated Press
NAIROBI — Kenya's deputy president on Tuesday set ablaze more than 5,250 firearms seized by authorities to discourage the circulation of illegal weapons in a country battling extremist violence.
Deputy President William Ruto presided over the burning of rifles and pistols in three stacks about 15 feet high. They were recovered in this East African country over the past nine years, Ruto said.
Most of the firearms were collected through voluntary surrender, others... (GunPolicy.org)
180 Firearms Surrendered in Gun Amnesty in Swiss Town [FR]
12 November 2016
24 Heures (Switzerland)
[Translated summary: 180 firearms were surrendered to the authorities in the Swiss municipality of Hinwil during a gun amnesty. Among the firearms were rifles, assault weapons, pistols, revolvers and 60 kilos of ammunition.]
Une action contre la circulation des armes à feu et des munitions a eu lieu samedi matin à Hinwil (ZH). Chacun pouvait remettre les pièces en sa possession à la police zurichoise. Au total, 180 armes à feu ont été transmises aux autorités.... (GunPolicy.org)
Ecuador Police Deliver 25,487 Guns to Army for Destruction [ES]
1 November 2016
Entorno Inteligente (Venezuela)
[Translated summary: Ecuador's National Police delivered 25,487 firearms that were seized during police operations to the Armed Forces for destruction. Among them there are pistols, revolvers and military equipment. Authorities claimed that there were only 53 violent deaths in October 2016, while the same month in 2015 had 90.]
Durante este año, la Policía Nacional ha entregado a las Fuerzas Armadas (FF.AA.) un total de 25 487 armas de fuego incautadas durante... (GunPolicy.org)
Panama Destroyed 2,226 Firearms in 2016 [ES]
31 October 2016
Noticias Terra (Argentina)
[Translated summary: Authorities in Panama have destroyed 2,226 firearms so far this year. The guns were seized during police operations or obtained in buyback programs. Among the firearms were pistols, revolvers, shotguns, rifles, sub machine guns, carbines, pellet and homemade guns.]
Las autoridades panameñas han destruido un total de 2.226 armas de fuego en lo que va de año, que han sido decomisadas mediante requisas, hallazgos e intercambios por comida, informó... (GunPolicy.org)
Over 1.5 Million Legal, 4 Million Illicit Guns in Argentina [ES]
31 October 2016
Noticias y Protagonistas (Argentina)
[Translated summary: There are 1,541,497 registered firearms and 979,508 licensed gun owners in Argentina. The country has four gun factories that manufactured 74,983 firearms between January and August 2016. 13,940 firearms were imported and 45,836 exported in the same period. It is estimated that there are between 1.5 million and 4 million illicit firearms. Between 1997 and 2013 there were 38,002 gun homicides and 13,672 suicides. In 2013, 71.1% of homicides were... (GunPolicy.org)
1,868 Firearms Destroyed in Venezuela [ES]
31 October 2016
El Nacional (Venezuela)
[Translated Summary: Venezuela's Public Ministry supervised the destruction of 1,868 firearms in Caracas. The cache of firearms had been seized in 11 states nationwide by the police since July this year.]
El Ministerio Público, a través de la Fiscalía Superior del Área Metropolitana de Caracas (AMC), supervisó este lunes 31 de octubre el acto de destrucción de 1.868 armas de fuego, las cuales fueron incautadas en 11 estados del país en el segundo semestre del... (GunPolicy.org)
Police Destroy 1,036 Seized Firearms in Panama [ES]
31 October 2016
La Prensa (Panama)
[Translated summary: Authorities from Panama destroyed 1,036 firearms of different calibres on October 31. The general director of the National Police said that these guns were seized in different police operations to dismantle gangs, or because they were illegally owned by civilians.]
Las autoridades panameñas procedieron este lunes 31 de octubre con la destrucción de mil 36 armas de diverso calibre.
El director general de la Policía Nacional, Omar Pinzón, dijo... (GunPolicy.org)
Trump or Clinton, Stricter Gun Control Is Inevitable in America
31 October 2016
CNN, Opinion
It's impossible to run for President without having a firm position on gun control. For every candidate in every election campaign, it inevitably becomes a dividing line.
And 2016 is no different. At various stages, Donald Trump has held differing positions on the matter, but has been sufficiently in favor of protecting the second amendment to secure the support of the NRA. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton, while claiming to respect the second amendment, has made clear that... (GunPolicy.org)
South African Police Destroy 23,000 Illegal Firearms [ES]
29 October 2016
Prensa Latina (Havana)
[Translated summary: Around 23,000 seized, illegal firearms have been destroyed by South African police. It is estimated that 9,200 of these guns were related to crime. Each day, an average of 18 people die by gunshot in South Africa. The minimum age to own a firearm is 21. The number of guns per person is limited and a firearm licence must be periodically renewed.]
Pretoria -- Unas 23 mil armas de fuego ilegales confiscadas por la Policía sudafricana fueron... (GunPolicy.org)
NY Police Destroy Thousands of Crime Guns: NRA Protest [ES]
26 October 2016
El Diario (US)
[Translated summary: The New York Police Department announced a plan to melt and recycle thousands of firearms seized from crime. Chief of Department Carlos Gomez says that each gun represents a potential victim. In 2015, they destroyed around 7,000. The NRA protested, arguing that seized firearms should be resold on the legal market and that police could use the money for new equipment.]
Este miércoles el comisionado del Departamento de Policía de Nueva York... (GunPolicy.org)
NYPD Has Seized 15,000 Crime Guns in New York Since 2013
26 October 2016
New York Post
This mountain of nearly 2,000 guns was amassed by the NYPD during a collection of street stops, gang takedowns, search warrants and other forms of old-fashioned police work.
The heaving pile of pistols, rifles and shotguns that cops showed off Wednesday at One Police Plaza represents just a fraction of the approximately 15,500 firearms seized or confiscated since 2013.
"To my left is obviously a lot of guns," Police Commissioner James O'Neill said at a press... (GunPolicy.org)
Argentina Extends National Gun Amnesty for Another Year [ES]
24 October 2016
Hoy (Argentina)
[Translated summary: Argentina's government extended the deadline for the national disarmament program until the end of 2017. In the country there are 1,200,000 registered firearms, but it's estimated that there are 3 million more undeclared and in the hands of criminals. According to official data, since 2007 the program received 175,000 handguns and shotguns that were disabled and destroyed.]
El Gobierno promulgó la ley sancionada en el Congreso que extiende la... (GunPolicy.org)
South Africa Police Destroy Another 23,000 Firearms [FR]
21 October 2016
La Revue de l'Afrique
[Translated summary: South African police have destroyed 22,999 firearms, most of them seized from criminals. 3,156 were police guns that were no longer operational. Among them were revolvers, pistols, hunting rifles and assault rifles. Police are sure that destruction will contribute to the security of the country, which sees an average of 16 gun deaths each day.]
La police sud-africaine a conduit hier une opération médiatisée de destruction massive d'armes à feu.... (GunPolicy.org)
Over 10,000 Guns Voluntarily Destroyed in State of Mexico [ES]
19 October 2016
La Jornada (Mexico)
[Translated Summary: In the last five years in the State of Mexico, over 10,100 firearms have been collected, mainly from exchange programs. These firearms were surrendered peacefully, voluntarily and anonymously. The mayor explained that 400 children die in suicides, homicides and accidents caused by guns in Mexico every year and that 73.2% of violent deaths among the youth are caused by guns.]
En los últimos cinco años, en el Estado de México se han logrado... (GunPolicy.org)
US Dilemma: Destroy or Recirculate Guns Seized in Crime?
17 October 2016
WFMY News
GREENSBORO -- Some police departments across the state are facing a gun dilemma and it's not what you might think.
The recent uptick in violent crimes and more aggressive police initiatives to curb it, means some, like the Greensboro Police Department, are taking a lot of guns off the streets.
But a state law is presenting a dilemma where some of those departments can't decide what to do with the guns once a case is over and they no longer need the gun for... (GunPolicy.org)
Argentine Disarmament Group Deplores Lack of Gun Control [ES]
13 October 2016
Sputnik News (Russia)
[Translated summary: The Argentine Network for Disarmament denounced the government for its indifference to gun control, despite eight people dying each due to of armed violence. Last year, a bill to establish a new gun control agency was passed, but hasn't yet been implemented.]
BUENOS AIRES — Argentina tiene un "flagrante" retroceso en lo que respecta al control de armas de fuego y a las políticas de prevención de los riesgos derivados de su uso, denunció la Red... (GunPolicy.org)
Chile: 14,000 Fireams Destroyed, Gun Crime Down [ES]
6 October 2016
20 Minutos (USA)
[Translated summary: In recent times 14,000 seized or voluntarily surrendered firearms have been destroyed in Chile. This year, police received a total of 5,264 firearms in an amnesty campaign. Crimes with firearms have reduced 9.3% in relation to 2015.]
Un gigantesco horno que ardía a miles de grados centígrados fundió el jueves 14.000 armas decomisadas por las policías o entregadas voluntariamente por sus dueños, en la destrucción masiva de armamento más... (GunPolicy.org)
Spain Destroys Another 2,123 Unwanted Guns in Smelter [ES]
6 October 2016
La Información (Spain), Europa Press (Spain)
[Translated summary: Police from Lleida, Spain, destroyed 2,123 firearms by smelting. Most of them were shotguns surrendered because they were in poor condition or because their owners don't hunt anymore. Among the firearms there were also rifles, carbines, pistols, revolvers and airguns.]
La Guardia Civil de Lleida ha destruido 2.123 armas de fuego convirtiéndolas en chatarra, la mayoría depositadas en la Comandancia por sus propietarios por mal estado o porque ya... (GunPolicy.org)
Ghana 'Safer' After 1,800 of 1 million Illicit Guns Are Registered
5 October 2016
Pulse (Ghana)
Ghana is now safe after a successful registration of almost 1,800 illicit weapons across the country, Minister of the Interior Prosper Bani has said.
"Today, I can say citizens of this country are safer by way of having 1,796 weapons being registered or re-registered. It means that the security agencies have a record of these legal firearms in circulation in this country," Mr Bani said.
The registration of the 1,800 illicit weapons means that a little fewer than 1.1... (GunPolicy.org)
As Part of Balkan Cleanup, Albania Destroys 2,199 More Guns
5 October 2016
SEESAC (Belgrade), Media release
The Albanian Ministry of Defence (MoD), with support of SEESAC, began the destruction of 2,199 weapons on 3 October 2016. On the first day, 100 pieces of small arms and light weapons (SALW) were destroyed. The weapons are being disposed of at the Uzina Mekanike Gramsh (UM Gramsh) facility during the month of October. The destruction of SALW is supported by the European Union, through the EU Council Decision 2013/730/CFSP, in Support of SEESAC Disarmament and Arms... (GunPolicy.org)
Weapon Buyback Destroys 328 Guns in Ecatepec, Mexico [ES]
2 October 2016
Jornada (Mexico)
[Translated Summary: In 2 years of the "Firearms Exchange" campaign in Ecatepec, Mexico, 328 rifles and handguns, 59 grenades and 874 cartridges have been exchanged and destroyed .The exchange is voluntary, pacific and anonymous and the State pays an estimate in cash or electronic devices. Every year 400 children die by accidents, suicides and homicides caused by guns, and 72.2% of deaths are caused by firearms among young people.]
A dos años de las campañas de... (GunPolicy.org)
Since 2003, Venezuela Has Destroyed Over 423,000 Guns [ES]
28 September 2016
Sputnik Mundo (Russia)
[Translated Summary: Over the last 13 years, Venezuela's Government has destroyed 423,000 firearms collected via national security programs. In the last operation, 1,308 firearms were disabled in the context of the "A Toda Vida" social program which aims to reduce the high crime rates in the country.]
CARACAS — El Gobierno de Venezuela inutilizó 1.308 armas de fuego en el estado Anzoátegui (norte), como parte del programa social "A Toda Vida", que busca reducir el... (GunPolicy.org)
Costa Rica Police Seized 1,340 Firearms So Far this Year [ES]
28 September 2016
Teletica (Costa Rica)
[Translated summary: 1,340 illegal firearms were seized by Costa Rica police so far this year, or five guns each day. San José is the province where most of these seizures occurred. The guns are sent to the Security Ministry to be destroyed. Last year, 1,712 firearms were confiscated, most of them from organized crime.]
San José es la provincia donde se decomisan más armas en condición irregular.
Según el Ministerio de Seguridad, solo de enero a setiembre de... (GunPolicy.org)
Over 35 Gun Experts Meet in Moldova to Discuss Illicit Trafficking
27 September 2016
SEESAC (Belgrade)
Over 35 firearms experts from South East Europe are meeting in Chisinau, Moldova on 27 – 28 September for the 5th Regional Meeting of the South East Europe Fire Arms Experts Network (SEEFEN). Funded by the European Union (EU), the meeting is gathering prosecutors, police and customs officials from the region to discuss their experiences, good practices and most effective ways in combating illicit trafficking of firearms.
"The threats we face are greater than... (GunPolicy.org)
Uruguay Mulls New Gun Bans, Limits on Gun Ownership [ES]
26 September 2016
El Espectador (Uruguay)
[Translated summary: A regulatory decree proposed for Uruguay would ban civilians from importing and owning automatic rifles, shotguns, handguns, ammunition for these weapons and silencers. Only three guns per person would be permitted. Civilians who previously bought prohibited firearms, or who own more than three, would have to surrender them for destruction.]
A efectos de continuar conociendo cómo se encuentra regulada en el derecho uruguayo la tenencia de armas de... (GunPolicy.org)
Ecuador Police Seize, Hold 28,000 Guns for Destruction [ES]
22 September 2016
Infodefensa (Spain)
[Translated Summary: Since 1998, Ecuador's Judicial Police has stored over 28,000 firearms recovered in police operations. Now, they are going to deliver them to the National Army for its destruction, together with 43,000 ammunition and 205 cartridges. This cache was kept stored in different Police's Evidence Collection Points around the country.]
La Policía Judicial de Ecuador almacena desde 1998 más de 28.000 armas de fuego que ahora ha comenzado a entregar... (GunPolicy.org)
Venezuela Destroys Another 17,014 Seized Private Guns [ES]
22 September 2016
El Impulso (Venezuela)
[Translated Summary: 17,014 illegal firearms, which were seized nationwide by the state in the current year, were destroyed in Venezuela. The destruction consisted in the melting on a local city furnace. Since 2003, over 423,000 firearms have been destroyed.]
En el marco del Día Internacional de la Paz, el ministro del Poder Popular para Relaciones Interiores, Justicia y Paz, Néstor Reverol Torres, visitó la ciudad de Barquisimeto para encabezar el proceso de... (GunPolicy.org)
Argentina Province Will Destroy Another 15,000 Guns [ES]
21 September 2016
Diario Panorama (Argentina)
[Translated summary: 15,000 guns are ready to be destroyed in a province of Argentina. These firearms were discarded by police and security forces, seized in crimes, or voluntarily surrendered by civilians in the last disarmament campaing. According to official data, there are 1.5 million firearms registered and 979,500 owners with licences in the country.]
Son las descartadas por las fuerzas de seguridad, las incautadas en delitos y las de usuarios civiles.
Según el... (GunPolicy.org)
20,000 Firearms Destroyed in Venezuela So Far This Year [ES]
20 September 2016
Radio Nacional de Venezuela
[Translated summary: In Venezuela, at least 20,000 firearms from around the country have been disabled in the current year. In the next few days the government will destroy the guns by smelting in a steel plant. Almost 3,000 of these firearms were voluntarily surrendered. ]
Al menos 20 mil armas de fuego, provenientes de todos los estados del país, han sido inutilizadas en lo que va del año 2016, como parte del Plan Desarme que impulsa el Gobierno Bolivariano,... (GunPolicy.org)
406,534 Guns Surrendered, Seized in Venezuela Since 2003 [ES]
16 September 2016
Aporrea (Venezuela), SENADES
[Translated Summary: According to the General Director of Venezuela's Disarm Service, since 2014, 3,674 firearms and 31,305 ammunition have been surrendered voluntarily by civilians. As well, 52,053 firearms have been seized and will be destroyed. In total, since 2003, 406,534 firearms have been taken off the streets.]
La directora general del Servicio Nacional para el Desarme (Senades), Delia Rondón, anunció que del 2014 a la fecha se han recibido 3 mil 674 armas de... (GunPolicy.org)
Venezuela Exchanges Guns for Domestic Appliances [FR]
9 September 2016
Huffington Post (FR)
[Translated summary: The Venezuelan government has launched a gun buyback programme, where citizens can exchange firearms for goods such as TVs, microwave ovens, tablets, washing machines and refrigerators. 561 firearms have been collected and destroyed so far.]
"Échange arme contre électroménager". Au Venezuela, pour combattre la violence par armes à feu le gouvernement offre des fours micro-ondes, des postes de télévision ou des machines à laver à ceux qui... (GunPolicy.org)
Ecuador to Destroy 35,000 Seized Firearms [ES]
8 September 2016
El Comercio (Peru)
[Translated Summary: In Ecuador, 10,139 firearms and 43,000 rounds of ammunition were delivered by the National Police to the Army to be destroyed. This cache of arms was seized in patrol and prevention operations. Another cache of 15,000 seized firearms will be delivered soon. In total, 35,000 firearms will be destroyed.]
10,139 armas de fuego y 43,000 municiones fueron entregadas por parte de la Policía Nacional al Comando Conjunto de las Fuerzas Armadas la mañana... (GunPolicy.org)
Venezuela Amnesty Swaps Guns For Domestic Appliances [ES]
8 September 2016
La Patilla (Venezuela)
[Translated summary: Venezuela's Government is exchanging firearms for microwaves, televisions, washing machines and other appliances in voluntary disarmament operations introduced this month. Over 1,130 citizens have decided to voluntarily surrender their firearms so far. 18,294 guns have been destroyed this year.]
El gobierno de Venezuela cambia armas de fuego por hornos microondas, televisores, lavadoras y otros electrodomésticos en operativos de desarme voluntario... (GunPolicy.org)
Mexican Army Destroys Over 5,000 Firearms in Sinaloa [ES]
25 August 2016
Televisa (Mexico)
[Translated Summary: In Sinaloa, Mexico, 5,204 firearms, 3,293 rifles, 1,911 handguns and 125,000 cartridges (among them 100,000 for AK-47 and AR-15 rifles) were destroyed by Mexican Army as part of a Firearms Exchange campaign. This cache of arms to be destroyed is part of a program to destroy over 20,000 in different parts of the country.]
En las instalaciones de la Novena Zona Militar de la Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional en Culiacán, Sinaloa, fueron destruidas... (GunPolicy.org)
429 Guns Destroyed During Buyback Operation in Congo [FR]
24 August 2016
Radio Okapi (Kinshasa)
[Translated summary: Authorities of the province of Haut-Katanga (Congo) have destroyed 429 firearms of different calibres. These arms were recovered in three months during an on-going civilian disarming operation on which the owners were rewarded with motorcycles, bikes and other goods.]
Les autorités de la province du Haut-Katanga ont détruit, mardi 23 août, environ 429 armes à feu de différents calibres, dans la cité de Kilwa, située à plus de 350 km de... (GunPolicy.org)
Ecuador Registers 851 Guns for Civilians, Security Firms [ES]
20 August 2016
Ecuador Inmediato
[Translated summary: Ecuador's Arms Control Centre has registered 400 firearms for civilian use and 451 for security companies. In order to receive a firearm licence, Ecuadorians must pass a psychological test, a biometric registration, present a bill in their name and pay a tax. The Center is currently planning to destroy 238 seized arms. 215 were destroyed last year.]
Es importante que al vender o en caso de perder un arma, registrar el traspaso o pérdida, por... (GunPolicy.org)
Venezuela Destroys 2,000 Guns, Plans Bullet Registry - NYTimes
17 August 2016
New York Times
Venezuelan police crushed and chopped up nearly 2,000 shotguns and pistols in a Caracas city square on Wednesday, as the new interior minister relaunched a long-stalled gun control campaign in one of the world's most crime-ridden countries.
Interior Minister Nestor Reverol said the event marked the renewal of efforts to disarm Venezuelans, through a combination of seizures and a voluntary program to swap guns for electrical goods.
Venezuela has the world's second... (GunPolicy.org)
Another 25,000 Firearms Crushed, Smelted in Argentina [ES]
13 August 2016
El Dia (Argentina)
[Translated Summary: Under the supervision of Justice and Security Ministers, the Argentinian government destroyed over 25,000 firearms seized in police operations in various provinces. Destruction involves crushing, then melting the firearms using a high temperature furnace. ]
Bajo la atenta mirada de los ministros de Justicia, Germán Garavano; de Seguridad, Patricia Bullrich, y la titular de la Agencia Nacional de Materiales Controlados (Anmac), Natalia Gambaro, el... (GunPolicy.org)
Colombia's FARC Will Have 180 Days to Surrender Guns [ES]
5 August 2016
El Espectador (Colombia)
[Translated Summary: In the Colombian peace process, there is a strict plan for the FARC cease-fire. This agreement includes monitoring and verification, rules for the definitive cessation of bilateral hostilities, and the surrender of firearms which should finish within the next 180 days.]
El jefe negociador también señaló que la próxima semana los delegados del Gobierno y las Farc harán recorrerán las zonas veredales que recibirán a la guerrilla para la... (GunPolicy.org)
1,396 Firearms Disabled During 2016 in Zulia, Venezuela [ES]
2 August 2016
Noticia Al Dia (Venezuela)
[Translated summary: Venezuela's National Disarmament Service has disabled 416 firearms that were stored in the different security agencies of the entity. 61 of these weapons were voluntarily surrendered. A total of 1,396 firearms have been disabled during 2016.]
Desde las instalaciones de la Zona Operativa de Defensa Integral (ZODI) del estado Zulia, el Servicio Nacional para el Desarme (SENADES), inutilizó 416 armas de fuego, provenientes de las salas de resguardo... (GunPolicy.org)
Rwanda,Kenya,Tanzania,Burundi,Uganda
Armed Violence and Illegal Guns in East Africa - Recent Study
26 July 2016
New Times (Rwanda)
East African Community (EAC) member countries are meeting in Kigali for a validation workshop on the study by the Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA) on the status of armed crimes in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.
The report dubbed 'Analysis of Armed Crime Rates' released yesterday, in Kigali was conducted between 2010 and March 2016 with the support of African Development Bank (AfDB).
According to the report, Rwanda registered 421 cases related to... (GunPolicy.org)
Los Angeles Destroys Another 7,044 Guns: Total 160,000 [ES]
21 July 2016
La Opinión (USA), EFE News Agency
[Translated Summary: Over 7,044 firearms which had been collected, seized or voluntarily surrendered, were destroyed in California. According to Los Angeles' Sheriff the firearms were melted and turned into steel bars that are going to be used in the construction of highways and bridges. This melting operation has been the biggest in the current 23 year-program, with a total of over 160,000 destroyed firearms.]
El Sheriff de Los Ángeles presidió hoy una ceremonia en... (GunPolicy.org)
Guatemala Destroys 5,409 Seized Crime Guns [ES]
21 July 2016
Wradio (Colombia), EFE News Agency
[Translated Summary: Specialized personnel from the Guatemala's Ministry of Defence destroyed 5,409 firearms from different calibres. These had been confiscated in different criminal acts. The firearms (pistols, revolvers, assault rifles, shotguns and rifles) were cut using a circular saw.]
GUATEMALA - Personal especializado del Ministerio de Defensa de Guatemala destruyó hoy 5.409 armas de fuego de distintos calibres que habían sido decomisadas en diferentes hechos... (GunPolicy.org)
Caribbean,American Samoa,Niue,Palau,Northern Mariana Islands,Nauru,Cook Islands,Fiji,Micronesia,French Polynesia,Marshall Islands,Kiribati,Papua New Guinea,Samoa,Solomon Islands,Tonga,Tuvalu,Vanuatu,New Caledonia
Addressing Gun Violence in the Caribbean and the Pacific
15 July 2016
The Diplomat (Japan)
"The seas bring us together, they do not separate us."
–Constitution of the Federated States of Micronesia
The Caribbean and the Pacific each offer a unique and contrasting perspective toward addressing armed violence. Despite sharing similar challenges as Small Island Developing States (SIDS), each region faces very different circumstances on the ground. In light of this, each region has taken a different approach toward addressing armed violence. The Pacific stands... (GunPolicy.org)
Anaheim, California Buyback Collects 676 Guns in One Day
14 July 2016
The Orange County Register (USA)
ANAHEIM – They ran out of gift cards. An Anaheim Police Department gun buyback program was so wildly successful that officers had to hand out $48,000 in IOUs to those who turned in weapons.
Police were set to give out 190 $100 gift cards to Kohl's, Wal-Mart or Target for each weapon turned in Saturday, but the cards ran out in the first two hours of the event at La Palma Park.
The department is buying more cards, which it will distribute in the next 10 days, Anaheim... (GunPolicy.org)
1,300 Guns Destroyed in Ghana, 1.1 Million Still in Wrong Hands
11 July 2016
Graphic Online (Ghana)
The National Small Arms Commission (NSAC) last Saturday destroyed 1,300 illegal guns in the country but warned that there were still more than 1.1 million of such firearms and light weapons that might be in wrong hands.
The guns, which were marked and broken before being set on fire, included locally made single- and double-barrelled shotguns, locally made and imported pistols, pump action guns and local mortars.
The number of illegal firearms in wrong hands means that... (GunPolicy.org)
Over 67,000 Illegal Firearms Destroyed in Angola
10 July 2016
Angola Press Agency (Luanda)
NAMIBE — Sixty-seven thousand of 102,027 fire arms so far collected from the civil population countrywide have been destroyed, said Saturday in southwest Namibe province the second general commander of National Police chief commissioner, Paulo de Almeida.
Also coordinator of National Technical Sub-Commission for Civilian Disarmament, Paulo de Almeida was speaking at the central event of the International Small Arms Destruction Day, on July 9.
The senior police... (GunPolicy.org)
Montenegro Destroys 1,140 Confiscated Guns
9 July 2016
SEESAC (Belgrade)
Montenegro destroyed 1140 pieces of small arms and light weapons (SALW) at a smelter in Niksic to mark the International Gun Destruction Day on 9 July, 2016, including 752 guns and one revolver, 7 automatic weapons, 381 rifles and 214 different part of weapons.
Minister of Internal Affairs Goran Danilovic, Head of European Union (EU) Delegation to Montenegro Mitja Drobnic, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative Fiona McCluney and... (GunPolicy.org)
Bosnia & Herzegovina Destroy 1,008 Confiscated Guns
9 July 2016
SEESAC (Belgrade)
Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) destroyed 1,008 pieces of small arms and light weapons (SALW) at the Jelsingrad Smelter in Banja Luka to mark 9 July, International Gun Destruction Day. The destroyed SALW included 234 long barrels, 337 short barrels and 437 other weapons and belonging equipment. Weapons destroyed have been confiscated by five police agencies of BiH over the course of the last several months as part of their law enforcement activities. Their destruction was... (GunPolicy.org)
Kosovo Destroys 2,382 Seized Guns
7 July 2016
SEESAC (Belgrade)
Kosovo* joined the annual International Gun Destruction Day on 7 July 2016 by destroying over 2382 pieces of small arms and light weapons (SALW), including 888 short firearms and 1494 long firearms. The weapons marked for destruction have been confiscated by the Kosovo Police during their crime investigation work. The destruction is conducted with support from the German Foreign Office and United Nations Development Programme.
The event was also used to launch social... (GunPolicy.org)
M16, 53 Handguns Seized from Sport Shooters in France [FR]
1 July 2016
Liberté Bonhomme (France)
[Translated summary: Caen police seized four ancient war weapons, one M16 rifle, 53 handguns and more than 120 kg. of ammunition. Eight people are involved, but they don't belong to the criminal community, they practice sport shooting. The guns were seized because they were not declared. The owners could face 5 years in prison. All the arms and ammunition seized were destroyed.]
Les gendarmes de la section de recherches ont procédé à une saisie record d'armes et de... (GunPolicy.org)
Seattle Refuses to Sell Police Guns, Destroys Them Instead
30 June 2016
Washington Times
The Seattle City Council has voted unanimously to melt down the Seattle Police Department's old firearms instead of selling them, the latest step in Mayor Ed Murray's push to reduce gun violence in the city.
The measure was introduced by the mayor and Councilwoman Sally Bagshaw as a step to reduce the number of guns in the country, a local CBS News affiliate, KIRO 7, reported.
"We're going to take the guns and destroy the guns," Mr. Murray told the station. "They're... (GunPolicy.org)
FARC Guns To Be Melted Into 3 Monuments in Colombia [ES]
23 June 2016
El Tiempo (Bogotá)
[Translated summary: According to the agreement signed by the government and the FARC, their surrendered firearms are going to be collected, stored and melted to make three monuments in Colombia. Once the members of the FARC are completely disarmed, they will be able to rejoin civilian life.]
Serán registradas, almacenadas y sacadas de los campamentos. Se fundirán para hacer tres monumentos.
Las armas con las que la guerrilla de las Farc le ha hecho la guerra al... (GunPolicy.org)
Venezuela Destroyed More Than 12,000 Firearms in 2016 [ES]
22 June 2016
Correo del Orinoco (Venezuela)
[Translated summary: Venezuelan authorities have seized a total of 12,772 firearms during the current year in 51 different tactical operations. The Minister for Justice and Peace noted that some firearms were the result of voluntary surrender from civilians who "are tired of being armed and they traded them for domestic appliances, so they can live in harmony."]
Un total de 12 mil 772 armas de fuego han sido inutilizadas durante este año por las autoridades... (GunPolicy.org)
Australia After Gun Reform: No Mass Shootings in 20 Years
22 June 2016
Science Daily
Since gun law reform and the Firearms Buyback program 20 years ago, Australia has seen an accelerating decline in intentional firearm deaths and an absence of fatal mass shootings, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reports in a landmark study.
"The absence of mass shootings in Australia in the past two decades compares to 13 fatal mass shootings in the 18 years prior to these sweeping reforms," says the University of Sydney's Emeritus Professor... (GunPolicy.org)
No Mass Shootings in Australia for 20 Years - LA Times
22 June 2016
Los Angeles Times
Gun-control advocates in the U.S. often point to Australia as proof that Americans would be safer with a ban on semiautomatic weapons. In the land down under, there has been a total of zero mass shootings since rapid-fire guns were outlawed in the 1990s.
But a new analysis of crime in Australia stops short of giving gun-control laws the credit for this remarkable run. The reason: Although homicides involving guns have declined over the past 20 years, homicides... (GunPolicy.org)
Australia's Successful Gun Reforms Could Inform US Policies
22 June 2016
Guardian
A new study from Australia shows how the country's sweeping gun law reform was followed by a decline in mass shootings, homicides and suicides in the last two decades – changes that researchers said could inform US gun policy.
Since 49 people were killed in the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, gun control advocates have again presented Australia as an example of successful gun reform.
After the April 1996 shooting in Australia where one man killed 35 people and... (GunPolicy.org)
Canadian Province Collected 5,000 Guns in Amnesties 2006-13
16 June 2016
CTV News (Toronto)
For one month this fall, British Columbians are being given a chance to turn in old guns – including restricted and prohibited firearms – to ensure they never make it into the hands of criminals.
The province-wide amnesty program was announced Thursday by the Ministry of Public Safety, which said people will be welcome to unload any unwanted guns, other weapons and ammunition for the entire month of October.
"Stemming the flow of illegal weapons to gangs and the... (GunPolicy.org)
Switzerland Wins EU Exemption to Keep Army Guns at Home
10 June 2016
SwissInfo
European Union countries agreed on Friday on new measures to tighten gun controls in the wake of the deadly attacks in Paris last year. Switzerland has gained a special clause to allow its militia army soldiers to keep their guns at home.
Although not an EU-member, the Swiss are obliged to follow the move as they have signed up to the cross-border Schengen agreement. This allows for passport-free travel within its 26 signatories, and thus potentially for the... (GunPolicy.org)
Europe Votes to Restrict Availability of Semi-Automatic Rifles
10 June 2016
EUObserver (Belgium)
EU interior ministers agreed on Friday (10 June) to tighten gun control rules in the aftermath of the Paris and Brussels terror attacks.
The proposal, which still needs to be ratified by the European Parliament, includes an EU-wide regime on deactivated firearms.
Deactivated arms can be restored for use by criminals, but some member states had said the new requirements would harm collectors and hunters.
The new rules aim to make it easier to track down illegal guns... (GunPolicy.org)
Failed Gun Amnesty Blamed for Firearm Violence in Nigeria
6 June 2016
Today (Nigeria)
The rising cases of armed struggles, including militancy championed by the Niger Delta Avengers, have been blamed on the poor implementation of the Presidential Amnesty Programme and proliferation of Small Arms and Lights Weapons in the country.
This was disclosed in Abuja at the weekend by the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Ambassador Emmanuel Imohe, during the Inter-Ministerial Roundtable on the ATT in Nigeria organised in... (GunPolicy.org)
Venezuela Disabled More Than 8,000 Guns in 2016 [ES]
6 June 2016
Analitica (Venezuela)
[Translated summary: Since the beginning of Venezuela's Liberation of the People Operation, more than 8,000 firearms were disabled. In 2015, 24,000 firearms had been seized and disabled.]
La viceministra del Sistema Integral de Investigación Penal, Katherine Harrington, ofreció un balance el domingo sobre el despliegue de la Operación Liberación del Pueblo (OLP) en el país y precisó que en lo que va de 2016 se han inutilizado más de 8 mil armas de... (GunPolicy.org)
Michigan Police Destroy Thousands of Legal Firearms Annually
2 June 2016
Ammoland
Under Michigan law, the Michigan State Police (MSP) are required to publish a list of the firearms that they intend to dispose of each month. Agencies in Michigan are required to turn over to the State Police firearms that have been forfeited or confiscated from prohibited possessors.
The firearms are checked to see if they have been reported stolen. If they have not been reported stolen, the MSP are required to dispose of them. Before they are disposed of, the list of... (GunPolicy.org)
Venezuela Disabled 10,723 Guns in 2016 [ES]
27 May 2016
Noticias 24 (Venezuela)
[Translated summary: In Venezuela, the National Disarmament Service has disabled 10,723 firearms so far this year, since the promulgation of the Law for the Disarmament, Arms and Ammunition Control. More than 400 guns coming from police departments were also disabled.]
VALENCIA -- El Servicio Nacional para el Desarme (SENADES), ha inutilizado la cantidad de 10 mil 723 armas de fuego en el país durante el año 2016.
Así lo dio a conocer la viceministra del Sistema... (GunPolicy.org)
Venezuela District Seized, Destroyed 550 Guns in 2016 [ES]
19 May 2016
Radio Nacional de Venezuela
[Translated summary: Only this month, more than 300 confiscated guns were destroyed in Barinas, Venezuela. Yhey included 12 and 16 gauge shotguns, 9mm pistols and home-made weapons.]
La Comisionada estadal de la Gran Misión A Toda Vida Venezuela en Barinas, Lidia Rodríguez, destacó que sólo este mes destruyeron más de 300 armas incautadas durante diferentes procedimientos, entre las cuales destacan escopetas calibre 12 y 16, pistolas 9 milímetros y armas de... (GunPolicy.org)
Spain's Guardia Civil Auctions 377 Guns, Distributes 106 [ES]
11 May 2016
La Tribuna de Toledo (España)
[Translated summary: The Guardia Civil in Spain auctioned 377 guns that had been deposited by their owners because they lost their licenses or because they wanted to discard them. Most of the firearms were shotguns, but there were also rifles, carbines, handguns and airguns. 106 were allocated, 45 were returned to their owners and 232 are going to be destroyed.]
La Comandancia de la Guardia Civil subastó el lunes un total de 377 armas depositadas previamente por sus... (GunPolicy.org)
Guns for Destruction Found Instead in Argentina Crime [ES]
10 May 2016
Sin Mordaza (Argentina)
[Translated summary: An Argentinian minister was ordered to incinerate 700 guns last year. In the next months police found 17 of them in the hands of criminals, indicating that they were diverted to the illegal circuit before arriving at the furnace.]
Son unas 700 piezas que el exministro Raúl Lamberto había ordenado incinerar. 17 de ellas aparecieron en manos de delincuentes, y se desconoce cuántas más podrían estar en esa situación.
En noviembre del año... (GunPolicy.org)
Probe Into Firearms Stolen From Argentina Gun Registry [ES]
8 May 2016
Clarín (Argentina)
[Translated summary: The new head of Argentina's National Firearm Registry suspects that some automatic and machine guns were stolen and used in crimes. The National Registry is in charge of storing guns that are evidence in legal cases; it is estimated that it has 40,000 in its deposits.]
Tráfico de armas: La titular de ese organismo empezó un inventario. Si confirma faltantes, formulará una denuncia penal.
Hoy por hoy el Registro Nacional de Armas (RENAR) -el... (GunPolicy.org)
Mali,Burkina Faso,West Africa,Nigeria,Niger
Nations, Agencies Gather for West Africa Gun Control Talks
2 May 2016
Daily Trust (Nigeria)
The ECOWAS Commission, European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are jointly working on a strategy to check the prevalence of small arms and light weapons [SALW] in the hands of non-state actors and its implication for peace and security in the region.
At the third steering committee meeting of the ECOWAS-EU small arms project held recently, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), represented by the... (GunPolicy.org)
Australia's Gun Numbers Climb as Imports Hit Historic High
28 April 2016
The Conversation
The proud claim of some Australians that their country has "solved the gun problem" might only be a temporary illusion. In recent years, arms dealers have imported more guns than ever before. And last year we crossed a symbolic threshold: for the first time in 20 years, Australia's national arsenal of private guns is larger than it was before the Port Arthur massacre.
This increase must be seen in context. Australia's population grew by 5 million in the same period, so... (GunPolicy.org)
1.6 Million Guns, 420,737 Licensed Gun Owners in Québec [FR]
27 April 2016
Le Reflet (Canada)
[Translated summary: Between 2010 and 2015, Roussillon police seized 700 firearms. Most of them were seized as a preventive action, in cases where the owner might be a danger to themselves or to others. In Québec, there are 1,654,239 non-restricted firearms and 420,737 license holders.]
Entre 2010 et 2015, la Régie intermunicipale de police Roussillon a saisi 700 armes, révèlent des données obtenues par Le Reflet en vertu de la Loi d'accès à... (GunPolicy.org)
Australia Gun Owners Buy More Than Before
27 April 2016
The Conversation
The proud claim that Australia may have "solved the gun problem" might only be a temporary illusion. In recent years, arms dealers have imported more guns than ever before. And last year we crossed a symbolic threshold: for the first time in 20 years, Australia's national arsenal of private guns is larger than it was before the Port Arthur massacre.
This increase must be seen in context. Australia's population grew by five million in the same period, so per-capita... (GunPolicy.org)
2,366 Guns Destroyed in Michoacán, Mexico, 2010-14 [ES]
26 April 2016
Cambio de Michoacán (Mexico)
[Translated summary: Between 2010 and 2014 2,366 firearms, 80 grenades and 77,080 cartridges were destroyed in a buyback campaign in Michoacán, Mexico. However, between 2011 and 2015, 42,069 arms were registered in the same region.]
MICHOACAN - En el periodo 2010-2014 fueron destruidas en Michoacán dos mil 366 armas de fuego (mil 549 cortas y 817 largas), 80 granadas de fragmentación y 77 mil 080 cartuchos, obtenidos por la Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional... (GunPolicy.org)
137 Guns Handed Over to Police in Lancashire, UK
22 April 2016
Lancashire Evening Post
Thousands of rounds of ammunition have been taken off the streets as part of a county-wide firearms surrender.
A total of 3,737 pieces of ammo were handed over to police in Lancashire Police's Western Division which includes Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre.
Officers in the division also received three live rifles, six live handguns, six shotguns and a total of 15 air powered weapons.
The ammunition handed over in the west of the county made up almost 90 per cent of the... (GunPolicy.org)
West Africa, Cote d'Ivoire Debate Proliferation of Guns [FR]
20 April 2016
China Radio International, Xinhua
[Translated summary: A regional conference that gathers the National Commissions to Combat the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons of countries of West Africa is being held in Abidjan. Its mission is to reinforce control over arms and management of weapon stocks. In Côte d'Ivoire, since 2011, 9,661 were voluntary surrendered and more than 8,000 firearms destroyed.]
Une conférence régionale réunissant les commissions nationales de lutte contre la... (GunPolicy.org)
Havana Peace Talks Discuss the Future of FARC Guns [ES]
19 April 2016
Notimérica, Colprensa [Colombia]
[Translated summary: According to an estimate by the Ministry of Defense, the FARC owns almost 25,000 small arms and more than 4,000 'support' guns. Peace talks in Havana are now discussing this number, and what to do with them.]
El destino final de las armas que convirtieron a las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC) en la organización ilegal más tenebrosa de Colombia es una de las decisiones que más tensión genera en la mesa de diálogos de La... (GunPolicy.org)
100,000 Firearms Recovered in Angola Civilian Disarmament [FR]
17 April 2016
Agência Angola Press
[Translated summary: The coordinator of an on-going disarmament programme in the province of Cuanza Sul, Angola, claimed that this government strategy contributes to the consolidation of peace and development. Since the beginning of the programme, more than 100,000 firearms have been recovered.]
Sumbe - Le coordinateur de la Sous-commission Technique Nationale pour le Désarmement de la Population Civile, le commissaire chef Paulo de Almeida, a considéré comme très... (GunPolicy.org)
Mexico: 75,000 Guns Surrendered and Destroyed [ES]
11 April 2016
Plano Informativo (Mexico)
[Translated summary: More than 75,000 firearms have been surrendered by civilians to the Ministry of National Defence (SEDENA), in coordination with States' Governors, private initiatives, in the framework of the Federal Act on Firearms and Explosives. These firearms were immediately destroyed.]
De 2013 a la fecha, tan sólo en San Luis Potosí, se han retirado 524 armas de fuego.
San Luis Potosí -- Más de 75 mil armas de fuego han sido retiradas y canjeadas a la... (GunPolicy.org)
Ceremony to Destroy 8,000 Guns in Côte D'Ivoire [FR]
9 April 2016
L'Infodrome (Côte d'Ivoire)
[Translated summary: The National Police School of Abidjan has organised a ceremony where they marked and destroyed small arms and light weapons. 26,324 guns have been marked; among these, 8,000 have been destroyed along with 6,336 rounds of ammunition.]
Une importante cérémonie de marquage et de destruction d'armes légères de petit calibre a eu lieu, jeudi 7 avril, à l'Ecole nationale de police d'Abidjan.
Organisée par le Comité de lutte contre la... (GunPolicy.org)
Cambodia Destroys 200 Homemade Guns
8 April 2016
Phnom Penh Post
More than 200 homemade rifles were destroyed by Pursat provincial police on Wednesday, the DIY firearms having been seized as part of a campaign spanning the past five years, provincial police chief of staff Hieng Sitha explained.
"These were a kind of homemade air gun," he said, but noted that some "use bullets, such as those fired by AK-47s, or other improvised ammunition".
He said the rifles had been used by local people for hunting and home protection.
"We... (GunPolicy.org)
More Than 200 Homemade Guns Burned in Cambodia
8 April 2016
Phnom Penh Post (Cambodia)
More than 200 homemade rifles were destroyed by Pursat provincial police on Wednesday, the DIY firearms having been seized as part of a campaign spanning the past five years, provincial police chief of staff Hieng Sitha explained.
"These were a kind of homemade air gun," he said, but noted that some "use bullets, such as those fired by AK-47s, or other improvised ammunition".
He said the rifles had been used by local people for hunting and home protection.
"We... (GunPolicy.org)
Sierra Leone Destroys 5,000 Firearms [FR]
29 March 2016
Voice of America (Africa), Agence France Presse
[Translated summary: Sierra Leone destroyed around 5,000 firearms on Saturday, including AK-47s, M16s, hunting shotguns and home-made firearms, some of which were seized starting from 2002 at the end of the civil war.]
La Sierra Leone a entamé samedi la destruction de quelque 5.000 armes, une opération menée pour améliorer la sécurité dans ce pays qui a connu une guerre civile meurtrière entre 1991 et 2002.
L'opération a débuté dans deux dépôts militaires... (GunPolicy.org)
Where, How US Criminals Get Their Guns
20 March 2016
Albuquerque Journal
When a computer check on the loaded 9mm Ruger pistol found near the body of 23-year-old Edgar Camacho-Alvarado after he was shot and killed by a deputy U.S. marshal came back showing it was stolen from a car almost a year ago, police were not surprised.
Nor were they shocked when a computer check on the handgun found near the body of 19-year-old Jose Rodriguez, who was shot by Albuquerque police officers in December, showed it was stolen from a car parked in the... (GunPolicy.org)
France,Slovakia,Germany,Eastern Europe,United Kingdom
East Europe's Shadow Gun Market Fuels Terrorism in West
18 March 2016
Black Sea, Der Spiegel, Le Soir
The trafficking of Communist-era weapons leads from a Slovakian website to last year's ISIS terror attack in Paris and new regulations have failed to stop the sale of deadly weapons to criminals, we can reveal.
7 January 2015. Chérif Kouachi and his brother Said leave a bloodbath in the newsroom of magazine Charlie Hebdo. Two days later, Kouachi's close contact, Amedy Coulibaly, assaults the kosher supermarket Hyper Cacher in Paris.
When Coulibaly takes the... (GunPolicy.org)
How Australia Made Gun Control Happen After Port Arthur
14 March 2016
Guardian
On Sunday 28 April 1996 a security guard, Ian Kingston, stood in the doorway of the Broad Arrow cafe at the historic site of Port Arthur in southern Tasmania. He stared at the body of a man lying on the floor, then looked up into the barrel of a semi-automatic rifle. He dived back out the door as Martin Bryant pulled the trigger. Bryant killed 12 people in 15 seconds.
On the gravel path outside the cafe Kingston tried to herd people who thought the gunshots were part... (GunPolicy.org)
Australia Dealt with Mass Shootings, Gun Death Fell 60%
13 March 2016
CBS News (USA)
In the wake of a deadly shooting rampage back in 1996, the Australian government reacted quickly and decisively to ban certain guns. So did it make a difference? Seth Doane takes a look:
"It's said that when you lose your parents, you lose your past. When you lose your child, you lose your future," said Carolyn Loughton.
She'd flung herself on top of her daughter when a gunman started shooting, but it was not enough to save Sarah's life. "She had just turned 15,"... (GunPolicy.org)
Africa,Americas,Asia,Europe,Oceania
13 March 2016
GunPolicy.org
With apologies for being absent so long, Gun Policy News bulletins are back. At least for now.
Beginning in 1997, our dozens of regional E-mail and RSS news feeds delivered daily bulletins of small arms-related mass media articles up to June, 2014. From today we'll try to do so again, at least until the end of 2016.... (GunPolicy.org)
Still 117,000 Unregistered Firearms in Belgium [FR]
7 March 2016
RTBF (Belgium)
[Translated summary: Ten years after the introduction of the Firearms Act, 647,388 firearms have been registered in the Central Firearms Register. Before the entry into force of the Act, 889,937 firearms had been registered. An Amnesty allowed to collect and destroy 125,000 firearms. 117,000 firearms would thus still be in circulation.]
Dix ans après l'introduction de la loi sur les armes, 647 388 d'entre elles ont été enregistrées au registre central des armes,... (GunPolicy.org)
'Captain Crunch,' the US Gun Muncher that Destroyed 1M Firearms
25 February 2016
Fox News (USA)
It's the place where military weapons go to die.
Once a weapon is marked for destruction, it is sent to Anniston Army Depot where it will more than likely spend its final moments being chomped apart by the military's Grim Reaper for guns: "Captain Crunch."
The massive metal shredder has been in operation since the early 1990s and has used a pair of intertwined blades to chop up more than a million weapons during that time.
"There were days when approximately 2,500... (GunPolicy.org)
Samoa Police Destroy 500 Firearms in Amnesty
15 January 2016
Samoa Observer
Samoa's gun amnesty has closed with more than 500 illegal guns destroyed.
This was part of a Police gun amnesty programme, which started in November last year.
Police Commissioner, Fuiavailili Egon Keil, says the amnesty was aimed to reduce gun violence,
"The main objective of this operation was to reduce the number of unlawful guns in Samoa and to afford law-abiding gun owners the chance to re-register your legally purchased guns without fear of prosecution," he... (GunPolicy.org)
South Australia Gun Amnesty Draws 4444 Firearms
7 January 2016
News.com.au
Almost 450 firearms have been surrendered to South Australian police and firearms dealers in little more than a month under the state's gun amnesty.
Superintendent Kym Hand, from the SA police firearms branch police were pleased with the 444 handed in since the amnesty began on December 1, the first month of the seven-month amnesty.
"This is a very positive outcome, he said. We know that more than half of all firearms stolen come from rural areas, so we are... (GunPolicy.org)
Samoan Customs Hand Over Seized Firearms to Police
4 January 2016
Samoa Observer
The Ministry of Revenue is serious about protecting Samoa's borders.
So serious the Ministry's staff members have been intercepting and confiscating illegal firearms smuggled through various containers and parcels sent to Samoa.
Last week, the Ministry's outgoing Chief Executive Officer, Pitolau Lusia Sefo-Leau handed the weapons over to the Police Commissioner, Fuiava Egon Keil, to be destroyed.
This was done the day before the end of the Police Firearm Amnesty, in... (GunPolicy.org)
United States,Australia,Brazil,Argentina,United Kingdom
Australian Gun Expert Critiques America: You've Lost Control
10 December 2015
Washington Post, Opinion
Although we foreigners can offer no immediate solution to America's gun infestation, we can see how you lost control of the plague of armed violence. Outsiders are also perplexed to see that you've done so little to grant your citizens a basic human right — the freedom to live without fear of death by gunshot.
Historically, there's little mystery as to how it began. The early laws of each European empire relied on two pillars of gun safety: Firearm owners were... (GunPolicy.org)
South Australia Police, Gun Dealers Eager for Amnesty
1 December 2015
Murray Valley Standard
An amnesty for owners of unregistered and unwanted firearms has begun and will continue for the next seven months.
State Police Minister Tony Piccolo said the amnesty would make the community safer for everyone.
"In a first for South Australia, participating firearms dealers will play a significant role in the amnesty, with people able to surrender firearms at participating licensed dealers," Mr Piccolo said.
'More than 45 dealers will join with SAPOL to receive... (GunPolicy.org)
West Australian Amnesty Nets 1,000 Unlicensed Guns
24 October 2015
ABC News (Australia)
WA police are hailing a firearms amnesty which began almost three months ago a great success.
More than 1,000 unlicensed firearms and more than 60,000 rounds of ammunition have been surrendered so far.
The Deputy Police Commissioner Chris Dawson says the firearms include more than 100 handguns and two submachine guns.
The amnesty began on August 1 and finishes at the end of October.
Mr Dawson says it is the biggest surrender of unlicensed firearms for some... (GunPolicy.org)
US Laws Force Police to Put Seized Guns Back on the Street
21 October 2015
CNN
Every year, police officers seize tens of thousands of rifles, shotguns, machine guns and other firearms from criminals across the country. While many agencies destroy these weapons, a growing number of police departments are selling them instead.
And it's not always by choice.
Since 2009, at least 11 states have passed laws that either encourage or require police departments to sell seized or recovered guns -- with some banning police from destroying guns altogether,... (GunPolicy.org)
Australian Deceased Man Had 20 Guns and Ammunition
10 September 2015
Bay Post, Australian Associated Press
An old man who littered his Dapto home with hidden firearms – some of them prohibited weapons – left no clues to explain the mystery cache before he died, police say.
Twenty never-registered guns were found late last week stuffed inside unlocked cupboards or barely concealed underneath beds.
Among the haul were four self-loading rifles, two pump-action shotguns, a self-loading and one shortened firearm. Police also found several thousand rounds of ammunition... (GunPolicy.org)
France,Slovakia,Denmark,Belgium,Spain,Czech Republic
Charlie Hebdo Killers Bought Their Guns Legally in Europe
18 February 2015
Euronews (France)
The automatic rifles used in the terrorist attacks in Paris last month may have been decommissioned weapons legally bought in Slovakia and reconverted to fire live ammunition, Euronews can reveal.
French police are exploring whether weapons used in the deadly assaults on the Charlie Hebdo offices and at a Kosher supermarket were purchased in a shop inside the European Union, according to a joint investigation with the Slovakian Nový čas newspaper.
The weapons are... (GunPolicy.org)
Nicaragua,Peru,Haiti,Dominican Republic,Cuba,Mexico,Honduras,Guatemala,Turkey,El Salvador,United States,Russia,Austria,Belgium,Colombia,Brazil,Czech Republic,Germany,Israel,Venezuela,Italy,Spain
16 January 2015
Los Angeles Times, Opinion
During the 1980s, El Salvador was the single largest recipient of U.S. military hardware and weaponry in the Western Hemisphere. Although the Central American country's civil war ended in 1992, the guns, grenades and bullets linger, as do their murderous effects. In September, a U.S. official from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives estimated that half the weapons available on El Salvador's vibrant black market were made in the United... (GunPolicy.org)
Cambodia Destroys Homemade Guns
7 January 2015
Phnom Penh Post
Police in Banteay Meanchey province yesterday torched 400 homemade guns, 24 crossbows and 360 "electro-fishing" kits, with most of the haul voluntarily surrendered by villagers.
Banteay Meanchey provincial police chief Art Khem said the bonfire at Banteay Meanchey town's provincial police station followed a recent police blitz encouraging people to turnover illegal arms and hunting equipment.
"This is part of our efforts to reduce crimes such as robbery, illegal... (GunPolicy.org)
Swedish Gun Amnesty Sees 15,000 Firearms Surrendered
30 December 2014
Local (Sweden)
Thirty-six tonnes of ammunition and over 15,000 weapons were given up in the first nationwide weapons amnesty for seven years.
Sweden's National Police Board carried out the three-month drive early last year, but officers only released the final results on Tuesday.
Sweden has only had two other amnesties, the most recent in 2007 - when 13,000 firearms were handed over by the public together with 14 tonnes of ammunition - and in 1993, when there were 17,000 firearms... (GunPolicy.org)
High Murder Rates in Brazil and South Africa Put Firearms Back in Spotlight
24 November 2014
Huffington Post (USA), Blog
Brazil and South Africa have dramatically expanded their geopolitical influence over the past two decades. But after years of democratic and economic gains, the two countries now find themselves in the doldrums. One of the reasons for this is that they are addicted to violence. Brazil and South Africa lead their respective continents in murder. This is no easy feat: last year the United Nations reported that 8 of the top 10 most violent countries in the world were... (GunPolicy.org)
Police Blitz Nets Illegally Stored Guns in Western Australia
10 August 2014
ABC News (Australia)
A spike in gun thefts from rural properties prompts a WA police blitz on illegally stored weapons.
A spike in gun thefts from rural properties has prompted a West Australian police crackdown on the storage of firearms by licensed owners.
During the two-week blitz, officers visited 400 properties, seizing more than 150 illegally stored guns.
Police had earlier warned 16,500 gun owners in the Great Southern they would be facing random checks on their firearms storage... (GunPolicy.org)
Seized Weapons Are Destroyed in Honduras [ES]
29 July 2014
Diaro Digital (Honduras)
[Translated summary: The Armed Forces of Honduras destroyed 5,000 seized firearms on July 29, 2014.]
Las fuerzas armadas de Honduras destruyeron este martes 29 de julio más de cinco mil armas de fuego decomisadas a capturados de crimen organizado en ese país.
El comandante Elvin Noé Corea indicó que estas pistolas y fusiles representan un peligro y ayudan a prevenir el crimen y brindar seguridad a la... (GunPolicy.org)
Dominican Officials Destroy 2,000 Seized Guns
29 July 2014
New Zealand Herald, Associated Press
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic - Authorities destroyed roughly 2,000 firearms Monday and plan to use the mangled metal to build a monument promoting peace.
The Dominican Republic's attorney general, Francisco Dominguez, and other officials gathered in the capital of Santo Domingo to watch a steamroller destroy the haul of guns seized by police over the years.
The metal from the destroyed weapons will be given to sculptor Jose Ignacio Morales, who has been... (GunPolicy.org)
Rare Firearms Must Be Destroyed
24 July 2014
Examiner Newspaper
Tasmania Police says unusual firearms such as a Boer War rifle and some World War II machine guns that turned up as part of an amnesty will be destroyed.
Inspector John Ward of Firearm Services said the intent of the amnesty was to take guns out of the system.
In a Launceston amnesty last year, rifles from the Boer War and Afghanistan were handed in.
During last month's two week Operation Unification to take illegal firearms off the streets, two 9mm sub-machine guns... (GunPolicy.org)
34,350 Seized Guns Destroyed by Royal Thai Police
15 July 2014
National News Bureau of Thailand (NNT)
BANGKOK - The Royal Thai Police destroyed 34,000 guns today under the exacting watch of an Inspector General who gave assurances that none of the confiscated weapons will again be used to commit any crimes.
Pol Lt Gen Chaiya Siriamphankul, Deputy Chief of the Inspector General's Office, oversaw the inspection and destruction of the weapons in a process that was finalized today.
Over 34,350 guns that were seized in cases judged by the courts from year 2000 to 2013,... (GunPolicy.org)
El Salvador's Military Suspected of Dealing Firearms to Gangs
16 June 2014
InSight Crime (Bogota)
El Salvador's street gangs have been ambushing police with military-grade weapons, leading to fears the gangs, for the first time, have police outgunned. Is the Salvadoran military the source of their firepower?
In recent months, gangs have shot at police with M-16 and AK-47 assault rifles in multiple lethal attacks, raising questions about the source of their weaponry. Now, an investigation has unearthed evidence that the military itself is trafficking guns, and El... (GunPolicy.org)
Malawi Police Destroy Illegal Firearms
13 June 2014
Star Africa
Malawi Police has destroyed over 3,000 illegal firearms confiscated from people across the country.Inspector General Lot Dzonzi said in Lilongwe during the destruction exercise that Malawi is vulnerable to firearms smuggling because of a number of reasons including its geographical position, lack of scanning machines at its border posts and use of unchartered routes by foreigners.
"This has led to the smugglers bringing in firearms into the country which can lead to... (GunPolicy.org)
Over 800 Seized Firearms Deactivated in Venezuela [ES]
12 June 2014
Ultimas Noticias (Venezuela)
[Translated summary: 825 firearms were seized by Venezuelan authorities between September 2013 and June 2014. They will be deactivated in compliance with the 2013 Law on Control of Firearms, Ammunition and Disarmament, to prevent them being diverted to criminals.]
Un total de 825 armas de fuego, incautadas por los cuerpos de seguridad del Estado, han sido inutilizadas en el estado Aragua por la Misión A Toda Vida Venezuela, desde septiembre de 2013 hasta junio de este... (GunPolicy.org)
Corrupt South African Cops May Have Sold Guns from Firearm Amnesty
5 June 2014
News24 (Cape Town)
JOHANNESBURG - An investigation into the possible sale of firearms handed to police during an amnesty period is under way, the Hawks said on Wednesday.
"There was nothing to investigate before until we came across new information and decided to follow it all up," spokesperson Paul Ramaloko said.
The investigation would focus on Gauteng first. The probe followed the arrest of three people at a house in Norwood, Johannesburg, where police found more than 300 firearms,... (GunPolicy.org)
Official Tasmanian Ammunition Review Shows Gaps in Records
8 May 2014
Sporting Shooters' Association of Australia / Burnie Advocate
Tasmania Police needs to tighten controls on the disposal of guns and ammunition forfeited voluntarily or seized from criminals, an independent audit has recommended.
The state's Auditor General has reviewed the process used to get rid of more than 1000 firearms each year and found gaps in records of the amount of ammunition held.
Auditor-General Mike Blake said police complied with disposal requirements for guns, but needed to keep better records on the amount of... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Sporting Shooters' Association of Australia / Burnie Advocate
Brazil,United States,United Kingdom,Australia
Lessons in Gun Control from Australia and Brazil
6 May 2014
Emergency Management
In the year and a half since 20 children were killed by a gunman at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., a handful of states have passed laws requiring universal background checks, bans on semi-automatic weapons and limits on high-capacity magazines. But the U.S. remains a patchwork of uneven regulations on firearms, ammunition and gun owners. Meanwhile, at least 44 school shootings have occurred since the Newtown tragedy.
If state leaders want to curb... (GunPolicy.org)
Spanish Civil Guard Auctions 441 Seized Guns to Public [ES]
6 May 2014
La Opinión de Murcia
[Translated summary: The Civil Guard in Murcia auctioned 441 guns from private or commercial companies to the public, although in the past some seized guns have been sold at auction. Civilians with gun licenses are able to purchase the firearms, for as little as 50 euros, while those left unsold are destroyed.]
Conseguir un arma nunca había sido tan fácil, ni barato. La Guardia Civil de Murcia saca a subasta 441 lotes de armas que se podrán conocer durante cinco... (GunPolicy.org)
Over 21,000 Guns Destroyed in Costa Rica
28 March 2014
Tico Times (Costa Rica)
President Laura Chinchilla and Public Security Minister Mario Zamora donned safety glasses to bring a circular saw down on the last two firearms destroyed out of tens of thousands Wednesday in what authorities say was the largest single destruction of weapons in Costa Rican history.
In total, authorities destroyed 21,318 firearms and incinerated 872,882 small-caliber ammunitions.
"One of the most important blows to violence and crime has to do with the destruction of... (GunPolicy.org)
Australian Farms Targeted for Guns by Crime Gangs
27 March 2014
The Conversation (Australia), Blog
Revelations of the theft of firearms from Victorian MP Peter Crisp's farm draws attention to a genuine but often overlooked link between farm crime and criminal events in urban communities.
Discussions with farm communities and Victoria Police over recent months show there is a growing trade in firearms stolen from farms across rural and regional areas by criminal elements. Police in Western Australia are also aware of the link between guns stolen from rural properties... (GunPolicy.org)
United Kingdom,United States,Cambodia,Liberia,Mexico,Mozambique
Melding Guns Into Weapons of Mass Attraction – Global Picture Gallery
6 March 2014
Guardian (UK)
Art of War - Picture gallery captions:
Non-Violence, or the Knotted Gun, by Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd. The bronze replica of a 45-calibre revolver, a gift from Luxembourg to the United Nations, was sculpted in memory of the Swedish artist's longtime friend John Lennon. Though not created from recycled munitions, the sculpture has been cited as one of the inspirations behind the arms-to-art movement.
Sculptor Gonçalo Mabunda recycles weapons recovered from... (GunPolicy.org)
Focus on Risk of Guns at Home During South Africa Suicide Prevention Campaign
18 February 2014
Health24 (Cape Town)
Guns are 85% more lethal than any other means used to commit suicide. Gun Free South Africa urges gun owners to be responsible during Teen Suicide Prevention Week (16-22 February 2014) and hand in their guns to the police for destruction.
Gun Free South Africa's spokesperson, Adle Kirsten, "There are different ways to help prevent suicides, but one step is clear; reducing a suicidal person's access to a lethal weapon helps save lives."
Just a week ago a double tragedy... (GunPolicy.org)
Germany,Moldova,Austria,Bosnia & Herzegovina,Sweden,Canada,Switzerland
Experts Help Moldova Authorities Curb Gun Theft, Smuggling [DE]
17 February 2014
Österreich Journal
[Translated summary: Austria has sent experts to Moldova to advise on small arms and ammunition storage and management under the OSCE framework. Sweden, Canada, Germany and Switzerland will participate in the programme by 2017, which aims to prevent smuggling of stolen ammunition.]
WIEN (bmlvs) - Insgesamt zehn Experten des Bundesheeres unterstützen ab dem 05.03. die OSZE-Mission in der Republik Moldau. Dort werden vorerst vier Angehörige der Heereslogistikschule und... (GunPolicy.org)
Canadian Tory MP Apes Heston: Pry My Guns from 'Cold Dead Hands'
11 February 2014
Huffington Post (USA)
Conservative MP Blaine Calkins believes the Trudeau Liberals want to take away his firearms.
And to that, the Alberta native says they must pry them from his "cold, dead hands."
Calkins rose in the House during members' statements on Monday to highlight that Liberals will debate a resolution at their biennial convention later this month calling on any future Grit governments to reduce the number of firearms in Canada.
And to Calkins, who represents the Alberta riding... (GunPolicy.org)
Boston Plans Gun Buybacks After Shooting Death of 9-Year-Old by Brother
9 February 2014
Reuters
Boston plans to launch a gun buyback program in a bid to reduce shootings following the death last week of a 9-year-old boy who was shot by his 14-year-old brother in an apparent accident, Mayor Marty Walsh said.
Walsh, who took office last month, said he was still developing a specific plan, including how much would be paid and how collection would work, with the city's newly appointed police commissioner, William Evans.
"It's a short-term solution," Walsh told... (GunPolicy.org)
Nigerian Police Bans Issue of New Gun Licences
8 February 2014
Leadership (Abuja)
In his renewed move to curb the proliferation of arms and thuggery, the inspector-general of police (IGP), Mr Mohammed Abubakar, has banned the issuance of new firearms licences to individuals.
This was disclosed to journalists in Lagos yesterday by force police public relations officer Frank Mba, at the pull-out ceremony of some top police officers at the Police College, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday.
Mba said that arms proliferation and thuggery were among security... (GunPolicy.org)
US Gun Policy No Longer Domestic as Weapons are Smuggled to Mexico
1 February 2014
National Catholic Reporter (Kansas City)
Mexico, a state with highly restrictive gun laws, minimal arms manufacturing, and only one gun shop in the entire country, is awash in firearms, many of them from the United States. A study published last year by the Trans-Border Institute at the University of San Diego estimates that upward to a quarter-million weapons are purchased in the U.S. and smuggled into Mexico annually.
Amid the hyperviolence of Mexico's war on drugs, this southward flow of illicit arms has... (GunPolicy.org)
Sean Penn Turns His 65 Guns Into $1.4m Sculpture Due to Charlize Theron
14 January 2014
Canoe (Québec)
Sean Penn is putting down his pistols.
It's reported that a new relationship with South African actress Charlize Theron has prompted Sean Penn to surrender his weapons.
Penn — who some of us cannot look at without immediately thinking of Yosemite Sam — has declared that he has changed his mind about keeping guns at home and will have them turned into art. According to E!, the diminutive thespian has 65 guns; one can only hope that's a typo.
Penn famously fired on... (GunPolicy.org)
OSCE Helps Tajikistan Destroy Over 1,100 Firearms
9 January 2014
Times of Central Asia
DUSHANBE – On Wednesday January 8, the OSCE Office in Tajikistan began overseeing the destruction of more than a thousand of small arms and light weapons units, including firearms collected from the local population and arms found in caches across various regions of Tajikistan.
According to the OSCE Office, the operation is taking place at the Tajik Interior Ministry's Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Storage and Destruction Facility. The OSCE provided special... (GunPolicy.org)
Guatemala,Russia,Italy,United States,Honduras,El Salvador,South Korea,China,Belgium
Majority of Legal Guns in El Salvador Traced Back to US [PT]
6 January 2014
Vermelho / El Pais
[Translated summary: Around 60% of legal guns traced in El Salvador originate in the US according to ATF data. The US has a similar tracing system in place with Honduras and Guatemala. 70% of El Salvador's homicides are committed with firearms. Many of these guns are bought legally in America and trafficked to El Salvador.]
Cerca de 60% das armas legais rastreadas em El Salvador têm sua origem nos Estados Unidos. O dado, obtido graças a um programa de colaboração... (GunPolicy.org)
Mongolia to Amend Firearms Law
5 January 2014
Post (Ulan Bator)
Crimes and murders committed involving firearms have increased in recent years. Thus, the controls on firearms users are being tightened with amendments to the Law on Firearms.
Mongolia currently observes a law on firearms enacted in 2001. The Law on Firearms regulates the ownership, privatization and use of firearms not designated for battle, which belong to justice system bodies, the intelligence agency, police, and the armed forces.
As of 2013, a total of 46,982... (GunPolicy.org)
When the Right to Bear Arms Includes the Mentally Ill
21 December 2013
New York Times, Series
Last April, workers at Middlesex Hospital in Connecticut called the police to report that a psychiatric patient named Mark Russo had threatened to shoot his mother if officers tried to take the 18 rifles and shotguns he kept at her house. Mr. Russo, who was off his medication for paranoid schizophrenia, also talked about the recent elementary school massacre in Newtown and told a nurse that he "could take a chair and kill you or bash your head in between the eyes,"... (GunPolicy.org)
When Will US Learn from Australia? Stricter Gun Control Saves Lives
14 December 2013
Guardian (UK), Opinion
The mass murder in Newtown Connecticut a year ago caused shock and sorrow all around the world. In Australia it also revived memories of our own horror on a similar scale, when dozens of people innocently going about their day were gunned down by a disturbed young man.
Our tragedy occurred in 1996 at the Port Arthur historic site in Tasmania, one of Australia's most popular tourist destinations. The dead numbered 35, with more than 20 others injured. The victims ranged... (GunPolicy.org)
346 Guns Destroyed in Guadeloupe [FR]
13 December 2013
France-Antilles
[Translated summary: 346 firearms were destroyed by authorities in Guadeloupe this week, as part of the 'Drop your weapons' campaign. In addition, 892 more weapons were seized this year and it is hoped this will reduce the risk of crime.]
Cut into small pieces. This is the fate that was booked, Friday noon, 346 firearms recovered over months by the gendarmerie and the police. The massacre at the crocodile shears was held in the new Recovery Company (SNR) in... (GunPolicy.org)
Sandy Hook Massacre: US Gun Lobby Targets Australia, Cherry-Picks Data
12 December 2013
Sydney Morning Herald
As America prepares to mark the first anniversary of the murder of 20 children and six staff at the Sandy Hook elementary school, Australia has again become a focus of the increasingly bitter debate over gun control in the United States.
At issue for activists on both sides is the decision by former prime minister John Howard to ban a range of gun types in Australia following the Port Arthur massacre, in particular semi-automatic rifles. To gun control advocates in... (GunPolicy.org)
United States,Côte d'Ivoire,Liberia
Liberia Govt Officials Allegedly Involved in Secret Firearm Deals
11 December 2013
New Dawn (Monrovia)
Details emerging from the latest UN Panel of Experts report on Liberia have unveiled some chilling and staggering information as to how government officials and or political appointees are secretly acquiring firearms.
The UN Panelists appointed to monitor the arms embargo and other military related activities here in pursuant to UN resolution 2079 (2012), said most of the firearms were either purchased from returning mercenaries from the Ivory Coast or through other... (GunPolicy.org)
Costa Rica has Seized More Than 8,000 Illegal Firearms Since 2010
3 December 2013
Latin American Herald Tribune (Venezuela)
SAN JOSE – Costa Rican authorities have seized more than 8,000 firearms since President Laura Chinchilla took office in May 2010, the Security Ministry announced Tuesday.
"It is important to emphasize the planning and preventive work that is being carried out at different places in the national territory and conflict zones, where we are seizing these weapons every day to thus prevent crimes and violent acts," said Security Minister Mario Zamora in a... (GunPolicy.org)
Central America,Guatemala,El Salvador,United States
El Salvador Tracking Program Reveals Most Arms Come From US
2 December 2013
InSight Crime (Bogota)
A program to track El Salvador's hundreds of thousands of firearms has established that most come from the United States, suggesting civil war era weapons are being replaced through new arms trafficking networks.
With training from the US Office on Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), El Salvador's National Police (PNC) has tracked around 34,000 arms in the last two years, reported La Prensa Grafica. The aim is ultimately to track all legal registered arms, which the... (GunPolicy.org)
The Case for Tracing Guns: Europe/US Cooperation Catches Criminals
1 December 2013
OSCE
In 2010 the United Kingdom's National Ballistic Intelligence Service (NBIS) received a request to research the origin of three Glock pistols recovered in the North West of England. Within days, it had established that the weapons had been purchased from a weapons manufacturer in North Carolina, United States.
This was possible thanks to close collaboration with the American Bureau for Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (AtF) and the use of eTrace, its online tracing tool,... (GunPolicy.org)
Venezuela Police Have Destroyed Over 355,000 Guns in a Decade
27 November 2013
Venezuela Analysis
30,000 security cameras will be installed across Venezuela under a scheme inaugurated by President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday, amid ongoing efforts to tackle street crime.
"We're establishing a support system at the highest technological level," Maduro stated during the inauguration of the Integrated Monitoring and Assistance System (SIMA).
Aimed at reducing crime though the installation of security cameras in public places, SIMA will be rolled out nationwide, "town by... (GunPolicy.org)
Eighty Percent of Guns Handed in to Australian Amnesty Unregistered
20 November 2013
Examiner (Tasmania)
Eighty per cent of guns handed in at the weekend's firearm amnesty in Launceston had never been registered, Tasmania Police estimated yesterday.
The mobile amnesty, held at the Silverdome, received nearly 200 firearms over two days.
Tasmania had some of Australia's weakest firearm laws before the 1996 Port Arthur massacre including no requirement to register longarms.
Following the toughening of gun laws, including compulsory registration, Tasmanians registered about... (GunPolicy.org)
Mexico,Costa Rica,Caribbean,South America,Central America
Costa Rica Looks to Gun Control as Homicides Hit 'Epidemic' Levels in S America
13 November 2013
Tico Times (Costa Rica)
In most of Latin America homicide rates have exceeded 10 per 100,000 inhabitants, a rate that the World Health Organization considers "epidemic," according to a new report released Tuesday by the United Nations Development Program for Latin America.
The report came out one day before police leaders from 27 different countries across the Americas, including the United States, gathered in San José for the American Community of Police's (AMERIPOL) annual meeting to share... (GunPolicy.org)
86,000 Firearms Collected in Angola Since 2008
30 October 2013
Angola Press Agency (Luanda)
At least 86,000 firearms were collected by Angolan National Police from 2008 to 2013, as part of the voluntary disarming process, it was announced on Wednesday by police chief commissioner, Paulo de Almeida.
According to the coordinator of national technical sub commission for civil population disarming, despite of voluntary hand over by the citizens, the national police has the main goal of keeping the public order and tranquility, by sensitizing the... (GunPolicy.org)
Denmark,Southern Europe,Eastern Europe,Norway,Sweden,Croatia,Kosovo,Albania,Montenegro,Serbia
Balkan Police Work to Raise Public Awareness Against Arms Trafficking
25 October 2013
Southeast European Times
Increasing police co-operation and raising public awareness about the danger from firearms is the key to limiting the trafficking of illegal weapons in the Balkans, experts said.
Civil society groups estimated there are millions of small and light arms that are widely available.
"The significant number of circulating small and light weapons creates a fertile ground for the general sense of insecurity, vulnerability of citizens to armed violence and serious crime, with... (GunPolicy.org)
Argentina's Successful Gun Reduction Law Wins Top International Award
24 October 2013
Action on Armed Violence
The outstanding success of Argentina's National Programme for the Voluntary Surrender of Firearms was today recognised with a Silver Future Policy Award by the World Future Council.
The World Future Council cites the Asociación Para Politicas Publicas (APP), a long term partner of AOAV in Argentina and member of SEHLAC, as the key civil society organisation that has helped establish and implement this programme. In collaboration with the APP, AOAV works on a template... (GunPolicy.org)
Solomon Islands Approves Limited Reintroduction of Firearms for Police
21 October 2013
Scoop (New Zealand), Media release
Cabinet has approved a limited reintroduction of firearms into the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.
Minister for Police, National Security and Corrections Chris Laore announced the Cabinet decision at the signing of the 5 year RAMSI Drawdown Strategy at the Rove Police Headquarters last Thursday.
Minister Laore said the limited reintroduction of firearms is a capacity development program within the 2013-2017 RAMSI Drawdown Strategy for the Royal Solomon Islands... (GunPolicy.org)
Chinese Police Destroy Thousands of Illegal Guns in National Campaign
15 October 2013
Xinhua
BEIJING - Chinese police in 164 cities have destroyed hundreds of thousands of confiscated guns, knives and detonators, a statement from the Ministry of Public Security said on Tuesday.
About 130,000 illegal shotguns and air guns, 670,000 replica guns, 460,000 forbidden knives and many illegally stored detonators have been destroyed as part of an annual nationwide campaign, the statement said.
Crimes related to guns and explosives continued to fall by 41.4 percent and... (GunPolicy.org)
Philippines Authorities Arrest 50 for Gun Ban Violations, 46 Guns Seized
2 October 2013
Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines — Over 50 persons were arrested for violating the gun ban which took effect last Friday, police said Wednesday.
Police Senior Superintendent Wilben Mayor, PNP spokesman, said that as of 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, 58 persons, mostly civilians, were apprehended for carrying firearms.
Of the total number of arrested persons, 54 were civilians, while two others were police officers, one government official and a security guard, Mayor said.
With these... (GunPolicy.org)
Honduras Authorities Destroy 3,000 Crime Guns
26 September 2013
InfoSurHoy (USA)
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras – The Honduran Army on Sept. 25 destroyed about 3,000 firearms it seized from organized crime groups as part of a program supported by the Organization of American States (OAS), according to Col. Jeremías Arévalo, a spokesperson for the Armed Forces.
The weapons, which included pistols, AK-47 rifles, rocket launchers and machine guns, were destroyed with chainsaws in a ceremony that was attended by Honduran Defense Minister Marlon Pascua,... (GunPolicy.org)
Portuguese Authorities Destroy Over 3,000 Guns [PT]
25 September 2013
TVI 24 (Portugal)
[Translated summary: Portuguese authorities destroyed 3,125 guns today, in the fourth official destruction this year. A total of 11,179 guns have been destroyed this year.]
O Departamento de Armas e Explosivos da Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP) destruiu um total de 3.125 armas, sendo 2.800 de fogo e 325 classificadas como brancas, comunicou hoje a força de segurança.
Esta ação de destruição de armas, em estado de degradação, foi a quarta realizada este... (GunPolicy.org)
Honduras Destroyed 3,000 Seized Weapons [ES]
24 September 2013
RPP Noticias (Honduras)
[Translated summary: Honduras Armed Forces destroyed 3,000 seized firearms, through a Programme of the Organization of American States (OAS).]
El Ejército hondureño destruyó armas de fuego decomisadas al crimen organizado, en el marco de un programa apoyado por la Organización de Estados Americanos (OEA).
El Ejército hondureño destruyó unas 3.000 armas de fuego decomisadas al crimen organizado, en el marco de un programa apoyado por la Organización de Estados... (GunPolicy.org)
Mexican Artist Makes Music Out of Seized Guns
13 September 2013
Opposing Views (Los Angeles), Video
The sound of a firearm can be one of the most unsettling, terrifying sounds in the world. One Mexican artist is aiming to change that. He is taking weapons and using them to make sweet music.
Pedro Reyes has done several installations in which he takes weapons seized by Mexican authorities, turns them into instruments and has people play music with them.
Reyes and his team take different firearms seized from drug cartels in Mexico, and turn them into instruments... (GunPolicy.org)
60 Guns Disappear From Police College in Belgium [NL]
28 August 2013
Standaard (Belgium)
[Translated summary: Antwerp police recently discovered that 60 police weapons intended for destruction may have disappeared instead, after one was found during a criminal investigation.]
Uit het hoofdcommissariaat van de Antwerpse politiezone Minos (Mortsel, Wijnegem, Wommelgem, Boechout en Borsbeek) in Mortsel zijn ongeveer 60 wapens verdwenen. De verdwijning van de wapens werd aanvankelijk niet eens opgemerkt, zo schrijft Gazet van Antwerpen woensdag.
Het... (GunPolicy.org)
Texas Considers Law to Allow Police to Sell Seized, Crime Guns
24 August 2013
New York Times / Texas Tribune
For decades, weapons confiscated by the police in Texas were supposed to be used for law enforcement purposes — or else destroyed. Starting next month, police departments across the state will be allowed to sell some of them.
Some local departments have already been selling confiscated weapons, operating under a gray area of existing law, said T. Edwin Walker, president of Texas Law Shield, which provides legal services to Texas gun owners.
House Bill 1421, which... (GunPolicy.org)
Nepal Govt Collects Over 6,700 Illegal Arms
22 August 2013
Global Times (China)
The government of Nepal has collected over 6,700 illegal arms used by the citizens as well as criminals after issuing public notices to surrender the weapons, Nepal's Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed on August 22.
"As of Thursday, the number of arms brought under the government's control has reached 6,745 units," Uddab Bhattarai, a Ministry spokesperson, told Xinhua.
The arms include rifle, homemade gun, pistol and revolver, said Bhattarai, adding that they were... (GunPolicy.org)
Push to Rid Jamaica Police Stations of Illegal Guns Stalls
18 August 2013
Gleaner (Jamaica)
The national security minister's push to eliminate the potentially dangerous practice of stockpiling seized guns at police stations has jammed.
The Sunday Gleaner has learnt that an islandwide audit, which is the first phase of moving the guns out of the stations, has stalled, leaving dozens of weapons close to the hands of cops, who have long been accused of planting illegal weapons to make cases against suspects.
In 2012, National Security Minister Peter Bunting... (GunPolicy.org)
Registered Firearm Numbers Grow in Australian State
10 August 2013
Tasmanian Examiner
Tasmanian gun owners are arming themselves with more registered firearms than ever before.
Seventeen years after Australia's worst mass killing, Tasmania has the highest number of firearms since registration laws were tightened in 1996.
Following the Port Arthur massacre the state's registered gun population has increased by nearly 40 per cent. In real terms the 94,470 firearms in 1998 rose to more than 130,000 firearms this May.
Based on the 2011 census, that's... (GunPolicy.org)
Tanzania Authorities Fighting Against Illegal Crime Guns
3 August 2013
Tanzania Daily News
A high percentage of firearms in the country are currently in the hands of wrong people and President Jakaya Kikwete has issued a directive for culprits to surrender weapons immediately or face the full force of the law.
Addressing residents in Biharamulo District, Mr Kikwete issued a two week ultimatum for culprits to comply, warning that a major operation is underway to recover these weapons.
"We cannot allow Tanzanians to be terrorised by a few criminals," warned... (GunPolicy.org)
Estimates Suggest One in Three Portuguese Owns Legal Gun [PT]
2 August 2013
RTP, Video
[Translated summary: It is estimated that one in three Portuguese citizens has a gun at home, with 1.5 million legal guns registered with authorities. It is not known how many illegal guns exist. Police seized over 3,300 weapons in 2012.]
Em cada três portugueses um possui uma arma em casa. A Polícia apreendeu mais de 3300 armas em 2012. De acordo com o Diário de Notícias estão registados no Departamento de armas e explosivos da PSP quase milhão e meio de armas... (GunPolicy.org)
South African Police Destroy Over 36,000 Guns
30 July 2013
South African Police Service, Media release
VEREENIGING – Today, many South Africans will be safer. Many businesses have been spared from potential robberies. Many homes have been spared from potential break-ins AND schools have been spared from disruptions – all these as a result of removal in circulation of thousands of illegal firearms.
This was a sentiment expressed by the police leadership and management during the destruction of illegal firearms at an event held at the Arcellor Mittal Steel Factory... (GunPolicy.org)